Indian Railways registered the highest ever freight loading figures of 119.79 mt in January 2021, according to a statement by the Indian Railways. The last best-recorded data was in March 2019 with 119.74 mt. Indian Railways has used the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to improve all-round efficiencies and performances, especially as the lockdown halted road transport for a substantial period of time. The Ministry of Railways in a statement said that as per the statistics till February 2021, freight loading was at 30.54 mt which includes 13.61 mt of coal, 4.15 mt of iron ore, 1.04 mt of foodgrains, 1.03 mt of fertilisers, 0.96 mt of mineral oil and 1.97 mt of cement (excluding clinker). The ministry also said that a number of concessions and discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make freight movement attractive. Freight loading of the Indian Railways for the last few months have crossed last year's loading and earnings for the same period. Cumulative freight loading is expected to surpass last year's freight loading figures. On 27 July 2020, the total freight loading was 3.13 mt, which is higher than in the same period from the last year. On 27 July 2020, a total of 1,039 rakes loaded with freight which included 76 rakes of foodgrain, 67 rakes of fertiliser, 49 rakes of steel, 113 rakes of cement, 113 rakes of iron ore and 363 rakes of coal.Make in Steel 202124 February Click for event info4th Indian Cement Review Conference 202117-18 March Click for event info Freight loading for the month of September 2020 surpassed last year’s figure for the same period in both financial and loading terms. Loading crossed last year’s loading for the same period by more than 10% while earnings from freight is also Rs 129.68 crore higher than last year’s earnings for the same period. In September 2020, Indian Railways loading was 19.19 mt, which is 10.41% higher compared to last year’s loading for the same period. To attract new business and incentivise other existing clients, the railways ministry has held meetings with the top leadership of iron and steel, cement, power, coal, automobiles and logistics service providers. Business development units at zonal and divisional levels and a near doubling of freight speed are contributing to sustainable growth momentum.Image: The railways has been offering discounts and concessions to incentivise rail freight. Also read: Double-stacked python rolls out on WDFC