The Business Bytes
BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 2, 2024 (TBB BUREAU):
In the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24), the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has achieved a remarkable milestone by loading 256.22 million tons of originating freight. This significant accomplishment marks an impressive growth of 6.1 percent compared to the previous fiscal year, surpassing all records of Indian Railways in freight loading.
ECoR has emerged as the frontrunner, becoming the first zone to surpass the milestone of 200 million tons of freight loading for the fifth consecutive time. The stellar performance of ECoR is attributed to the substantial contributions from its three Railway Divisions.
Leading the charge, the Khurda Road Division contributed 159.94 million tons, followed by 76.48 million tons from the Waltair Division and 19.80 million tons from the Sambalpur Division. Each division has not only surpassed its previous year’s loading figures but also demonstrated exemplary performance.
During FY24, ECoR facilitated the transportation of various commodities, including 152.95 million tons of coal, 13.29 million tons of raw materials for steel plants, 20.77 million tons of steel and slag, 31.26 million tons of iron ore, and other essential goods such as cement, food grains, fertilizers, mineral oil, and freight in containers, totaling 256.22 million tons.
Major contributors to this accomplishment include the coalfields of MCL at Talcher, five ports — Paradeep, Dhamara, Vizag, Gangavaram, and Gopalpur — within ECoR’s jurisdiction, iron ore mines in Bailadila, major steel, and aluminium companies, and iron ore mines in Keonjhar district.
The remarkable achievement is attributed to the concerted efforts of ECoR’s workforce, strategic planning, and effective coordination with government sectors and industries. Despite facing numerous challenges, ECoR has demonstrated resilience and determination, showcasing its commitment to excellence.
