Railways registers increased freight loading in 11 months of 2024; Dedicated Freight Corridor operations gathering pace
During the January-November 2024 period, the revenue earning freight loading on Indian Railways was 1,473.05 MT, recording a growth of 3.86% over the corresponding period of last year.
Also, the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) facilitated over 72,000 train runs, highlighted the year-end review for 2024 of the Ministry of Railways.
Gati Shakti projects
In order to boost investment from industry in the setting up of cargo terminals, Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals (GCT) are being developed across the country. So far, 354 locations (327 on non-railway land and 27 on railway land) have been identified across the country.
Till October 31, 2024, 91 GCTs have been commissioned.
Sanction of three economic corridors in 2024
As part of the three corridors, namely, Energy, Mineral and Cement Corridors; High Traffic Density Routes; and Rail Sagar Corridor, a total 434 projects have been planned for implementation. In calendar year 2024, 58 projects were sanctioned across the three economic corridors, with a combined completion cost of about Rs 88,875 crore and a total track length of about 4,107 km.
The Energy, Mineral & Cement Corridors accounted for 51 projects, spanning 2,911 km with a completion cost of Rs 57,313 crore.
The High Traffic Density Routes included 5 projects, covering about 830 km and costing about Rs 11,280 crore.
The Rail Sagar Corridor had 2 projects, with a total track length of about 366 km and a completion cost of about Rs 20,282 crore.
Besides, the Railways achieved 6,450 km of complete track renewal, 8,550 turnout renewals, and raised speeds to 130 kmph over 2,000 km in 2024, the review said.