Eastern Railway (ER) has set a new benchmark in freight transportation, handling 54.8 million tonnes of goods between April and October 2024. This represents an impressive 22.4% surge from the 44.8 million tonnes recorded during the same period in the previous year. This exponential growth not only highlights Eastern Railway’s operational efficiency but also underscores the growing demand in key industrial sectors such as energy, steel, and construction.
The freight revenue has also surged by a significant 30.68%, reaching a total of Rs 5,102 crore from Rs 3,904 crore in the corresponding months of 2023. This uptick in earnings reflects the strategic reforms implemented by Eastern Railway, which have enhanced its freight services and optimised logistics operations. By expanding its reach and improving service reliability, the rail operator has succeeded in carving a larger slice of the highly competitive logistics market. At the heart of this growth is coal, which accounted for a substantial 38.9 million tonnes of the total freight handled. Coal remains a cornerstone of Eastern Railway’s freight business, driven by steady demand from power generation and industrial sectors. In India, where energy needs are rapidly increasing, the role of coal transportation has become critical. Notably, industries such as steel and cement are also contributing to the growth, with increasing shipments catering to both domestic demand and exports. The sustainability angle is pivotal here, as the railway sector remains one of the most eco-friendly means of mass transportation. As India strives to meet its ambitious climate targets, railways offer a lower-carbon alternative to road and air freight, which are more energy-intensive and polluting. Eastern Railway’s performance showcases how infrastructure can meet the rising demands of industrial growth while ensuring environmental considerations.
From the perspective of local communities, this growth also signals stability and a potential increase in employment opportunities, given the expansion in logistics and railway operations. The demand for skilled labour and support services in the regions that Eastern Railway serves is bound to rise, contributing to economic growth in these areas. Despite these positives, experts believe that the focus should now be on sustainability in the long term. With increasing freight volumes, it’s crucial to enhance infrastructure resilience, ensure energy efficiency, and maintain minimal environmental impact. For Eastern Railway, the task ahead is to balance these competing priorities while continuing to meet the ever-growing demands of India’s industrial sector.
