The Business Bytes
Rourkela, September 17, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Balmer Lawrie to secure three dedicated BFNS 22.9 rakes on a lease-and-operate basis for steel transport over distances exceeding 1,000 kilometres. This agreement expands RSP’s fleet to nine BFNS 22.9 LSFTO rakes, which will account for approximately 30 percent of the total wagon supply for steel dispatch.
The MoU was formalized in a ceremony held on September 13, 2024, at the RSP ED (Works) Conference Hall. The signing was attended by representatives from both RSP and Balmer Lawrie, including B Palai, CGM In-Charge (Iron) at RSP, along with senior officials from both organizations.
The addition of these dedicated LSFTO rakes is set to significantly enhance the efficiency of transporting RSP’s high-quality steel from the plant to customers, streamlining the supply chain across Indian Railways and SAIL terminals. The customized wagons allow for better load adjustment, minimizing dead freight and increasing dispatch capacity. This will lead to a rise in sales turnover and other financial benefits, such as reduced loading and unloading times, elimination of demurrage payments, and lower costs due to reduced ideal freights.
Besides, the inbuilt lashing mechanism will significantly cut down on loading, metal saddle, and lashing costs. The elimination of wooden dunnage will further contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the operation.
