Industry representatives have urged a review of the warehousing and cargo handling charges levied by the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) at the Verna Railway Station goods shed, describing the current tariff structure as comparatively high and a hurdle to increasing rail-based freight movement.
The issue was raised during an interactive meeting jointly organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), which brought together representatives from GCCI, KRCL, CWC, freight customers, logistics partners and traders to discuss operational challenges and promote greater use of the Verna goods shed.
Responding to the concerns, CWC officials said any revision in tariffs would require approval from higher authorities. They added that a commitment from industry to provide assured cargo volumes would strengthen the case for rationalising the charges.
Konkan Railway highlighted the infrastructure available at the Verna goods shed and encouraged industries, importers and exporters to shift more cargo to rail, citing lower logistics costs and improved operational efficiency. GCCI and KRCL assured stakeholders that the concerns raised, including the tariff issue, would be taken up with the appropriate authorities.
The meeting was chaired by GCCI Logistics Committee Chairperson Chandrakant Gawas and KRCL Divisional Railway Commercial Manager Dileep Bhat.
Gawas also proposed holding quarterly meetings between KRCL and industry representatives to address operational issues, improve coordination and enhance utilisation of the Verna goods shed, which has been operational since December 2023.