In order to increase the share of rail borne traffic, an innovative "Empty Flow Discount Scheme" is being formulated and will be implemented shortly

Steps Taken to Increase Freight Traffic

A target of loading 1,047 million tonnes during 2013-14 was set for Indian Railways and which will surpass the Budget estimate.

In order to increase the share of rail borne traffic, an innovative Empty Flow Discount Scheme is being formulated and will be implemented shortly. For further increasing throughput on the existing network, carrying additional traffic and bolstering freight earnings, universalisation of all routes on Indian Railways as 'CC+9+1' (Carrying Capacity+9 tonne+1 tonne) is being planned.

Container traffic has witnessed rapid growth in the last few years. For facilitating seamless transport of imported cargo, some of the restrictions on movement of imported commodities through containers have been eased. Further, to increase throughput of container traffic, the permissible carrying capacity of 20 feet containers has been enhanced by 4 tonnes by necessary upgrade of rolling stock.

There is a vast potential to be tapped in the area of parcel traffic. An aggressive strategy has been evolved for attracting more such traffic to rail. Parcel trains will be run from nominated parcel terminals which have been already notified for achieving the above, and Special Parcel Trains will be run on scheduled timings, so that time-sensitive cargo can be attracted. A new policy on parcels will be formulated which shall also encourage transportation of milk across the country. A new concept of hub and spoke for parcel business will be introduced. Third party warehousing in Special Parcel Terminals is also envisaged.

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