Rlys take interim measures to curb illegal ore transport

In the backdrop of the sustained pressure from the Orissa government on the illegal transportation of ores through the Railways’ network, the Railway authorities have agreed to initiate some interim measures to check illegal mining activities using its network.

This was decided in a high level meeting convened by the Union mines secretary Santha S Nair in New Delhi which was attended by the Union steel secretary Atul Chakravorthy and the member (traffic), Railways.

As per the decision, the rake allotment would be considered by the railway authorities only after the representative of the state government approves the indent. Since the mining lease holder or the trade licensee is allowed to transport, the latest measure would help the state government to check illegal transportation of ores.

Similarly, the Railway authorities would ask for the production of transit pass (TP) to the transporter before allowing the ore to the railway siding. No ore would be allowed into the railway siding without TP.

“The Railway authorities have agreed to take some interim measures to help the state government in checking the illegal transportation through its network”, Ashok Dalwai, secretary, steel and mines department of Orissa government told Business Standard.

Dalwai, who attended today’s meeting at New Delhi said, a committee under the chairmanship of the special secretary (Rail co-ordination), Guru Ray has been working towards this end. Besides, the Chief Secretary T K Mishra will hold a high-level meeting on the issue on 15th of this month. Both the railway and the port authorities have been invited to this meeting , he added.