The First rake of SCR under the newly introduced Round-Trip traffic concept has been availed by the M/s Bharathi Cements siding, Yerraguntla. Under this, the Company has loaded Clinker from their siding in Yerraguntla to Krishnapatnam Port (for export to Sri Lanka) and in return direction has loaded imported Pet Coke from the Krishnapatnam Port to Bharathi Cements, Yerraguntla.
The Round Trip Traffic Concept
Recently, Indian Railways has introduced the concept of Roundtrip Traffic with a view to enhance its freight loading basket, to attract the new traffic and also to divert the traffic moving by Road.
Under this concept, if the freight customer (consignor) commits to offer traffic in return direction i.e., back to the originating loading station, either from the destination station or from any point within 200 km of the destination station, then the traffic for both outward and return traffic shall be charged at lower of the applicable class rates amongst the outward and return direction traffic.
This shall be subject to the condition that loading in return direction begins within 24 hours of the release of outward rake at its destination.
This Round-Trip Traffic concept is a win-win situation for both Freight customers and Railways because the freight customer will be benefited with reduced freight charges and the Railways will get revenue for the return direction traffic instead of moving the rake empty.
Bharathi Cements Loads First Round Trip Traffic Rake
Taking advantage of this novel concept, M/s. Bharathi Cements Ltd, Yerraguntla has loaded the first rake of SCR under this initiative by loading with clinker from their siding in Yerraguntla to Krishnapatnam Port (for further transportation to Sri Lanka). In the return direction, the company has loaded imported pet coke from USA by Railways.
As a result of availing concession under this concept, the consignor has benefitted around Rs 8.7 lakh in terms of freight, due to reduction in class rate. Simultaneously, Railways has also earned over Rs 15 lakhs in terms of freight for the return direction traffic which otherwise would have been empty haulage.
There are two major cement clusters in and around Kadapa region. These companies generally transport cement and clinker to ports while simultaneously importing coal from the ports. As a result of the incentive being offered by the new initiative, customers in-and-around the region are showing interest in availing benefits from the concept which is mutually beneficial to both them as well as Railways.
Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, South Central Railway has appreciated the marketing efforts of the Staff & Officials of Guntakal Division in creating awareness among the freight customers about the benefits of this innovative concept introduced by Rail Ministry and also in capturing the additional loading for the zone.
He also advised freight customers across the zone to utilize this new model of loading which is cost-effective as well as time-saving in transporting their goods. He also stated that the demand for wagons is always huge and this system enables effective utilisation of rolling stock.
