Railways extends round-trip freight discounts for six months, say officials

Sources in the ministry say policy not successful so far; extension period kept low as the board may soon have to decide whether to modify the policy further or discontinue it altogether

Two years after Indian Railways launched the round-trip traffic (RTT) policy to compete with road transport, it has extended it for a mere six months amid mediocre outcomes in freight augmentation, officials told Business Standard. The policy incentivises booking goods orders for both to and fro journeys of a goods train, in exchange for discounted rates.

According to a circular by the Railway Board, the policy will now be applicable till 30 April. Sources in the ministry said that the extension period was kept low as the board may soon have to make a decision on whether to modify the