Eastern Railway has marked a significant milestone by achieving its highest-ever freight loading of 80.45 million tonnes on March 13, 2024. This accomplishment comes 18 days before the conclusion of the current financial year 2023-24. Surpassing all previous records, this achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the railway’s historical context, even before the divisional restructuring that reduced its operational divisions from seven to four.
The previous record of 80.04 million tonnes was set in the financial year 1999-2000, prior to the divisional restructuring.
Traditionally renowned for its passenger services, Eastern Railway has demonstrated remarkable prowess in freight operations under the astute leadership of Milind K Deouskar, General Manager of Eastern Railway. This feat was made possible through the coordinated efforts of various departments at both the headquarters and divisional levels. The Traffic Commercial Directorate of the Railway Board has played a pivotal role by providing constant support and guidance, facilitating Eastern Railway’s journey toward this historic achievement.
R Meena, principal chief operations manager of Eastern Railway, emphasized the railway’s relentless pursuit of enhancing freight loading capacities. Initiatives such as the Gati Shakti project have led to the establishment of several new freight terminals. Additionally, the Business Development Units (BDUs) of Eastern Railway are actively engaged in negotiating new freight varieties. The culmination of these concerted efforts is the unprecedented achievement of the highest-ever freight loading by Eastern Railway.
