The Danapur division of East Central Railway (ECR) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a private firm to streamline cement loading and transportation from the newly operational cement plant at Daniyawan railway siding. The agreement was formalised on Tuesday at the office of the divisional railway manager, with senior divisional commercial manager (DCM) Abhinav Siddharth representing the railways and plant head Amrendra Kumar signing on behalf of the company.
According to Siddharth, the partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency, enable faster rake turnaround and strengthen freight movement from the region to destinations nationwide. Cement loading from the Daniyawan siding has been a major revenue contributor for the division, with consistent growth over recent years.
In FY 2023–24, the division loaded 760 rakes of cement, earning ₹82 crore. The momentum continued in FY 2024–25, with 860 rakes loaded and revenue rising to ₹103 crore. In the ongoing FY 2025–26, Danapur division has already handled 48 rakes, generating ₹56 crore, reflecting robust demand and improved coordination between the railways and the cement sector.
Railway officials expressed optimism that the MoU will deepen collaboration, maximise the potential of the Daniyawan facility and further position it as a key cement loading hub in the region.
Danapur divisional commercial manager Abhishek Kumar Tiwary said the enhanced cooperation is expected to boost freight revenue while ensuring smoother and more reliable supply-chain operations for Ultratech Cement across the country.