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'Freight blocks' are the next growth engine for Indian Railways

The move by the Indian Railways means further delays, even cancellations, of passenger trains

Indian railways freight train
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The Rs 814-billion-project of Eastern and Western DFCs will cover a total of 3,360 km track, of which around 1,500 km falls in the western region

Shine Jacob New Delhi

Struggling to compete with roads for a bigger share in freight loading, the Indian Railways is exploring a new concept called “freight block”. 

During a block of five to six hours, a bunch of freight trains is getting a clear passage on busy routes at the cost of mail and express passenger trains. Traditionally, freight trains give way to passenger trains. 

The block system was initiated in September to improve the movement of rakes required for loading coal and other commodities.

"We are looking at additional 30 per cent daily freight movement on busy routes through such blocks. We