Railways to have dedicated corridors for cement sector

The Indian Railways will build dedicated corridors to satisfy the needs of the cement industry, especially in locations with a large concentration of such factories and raw materials as clinker, limestone, and flyash. According to sources, the railway ministry told the cement industry's giants about this strategy, which will meet their needs. The national transporter is developing a number of strategies to enhance the modal share of freight delivered by trains. Cement and its raw materials account for the third largest share of overall freight handled by railways. We are working on cement corridors in different regions of the country, keeping in mind the present industries and the future facilities in the next 10 years. We will install new lines where there is no existing link and additional lines where there is a need to improve our traffic carrying capacity, stated a railway ministry official. The national transporter is pursuing a corridor strategy in order to expand cargo traffic by rail, which is critical to its financial health. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated shortly after the Union Budget was released this month, “For infrastructure growth, the corridor approach will be used. Energy corridor, separate corridors for hilly areas, Janjatiya Gaurav Corridor, cement corridor...it will be a combination of social and economic corridors.” The railways has been focusing on attracting cargo from the road sector by offering better service and attractive price. Also read MCL Signed MoUs to provide financial aid to Kandhamal Odisha CCI approves Dalmia Cement’s acquisition