CMA oppose railways freight rate hike

The Government of India has approved a steep hike in the passenger train fares and freight rates of the Indian Railways. The freight rates will now go up by 6.5 per cent. The cement industry has not responded well to this hike. The Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA) have urged the Ministry of Railways to withdraw the freight hike. As of now, the cement industry is already stressed out due to sluggish demand and increase in raw material cost. The hike is likely to pull down the industry further. CMA has suggested the railways to modernise cement terminals in order to improve efficiency and attract private sector investments. Contact: Cement Manufacturers Association. Tel: 0120-241 1955. Website: www.cmaindia.org