SCR freight loading touches 14.71 MT in Q1

Vijayawada, Aug 15 (UNI) The South Central Railway (SCR) has achieved a high freight loading with an impressive 7.20 per cent rise, touching 14.71 million tonnes till June in the current financial year, against 13.72 MT for the corresponding period last year.

SCR General Manager D N Mathur, speaking on the occasion of the 60th Independence day, said the total earnings of the zone had risen to Rs 1363.31 crore, against Rs 1231.10 crore registered during the last fiscal, a robust growth of 10.74 per cent.

'The current year happens to signify yet another landmark for the zone as it celebrates the completion of four decades of service to the nation, having created on October 2, 1966,'' he added.

The operating ratio of the zone, a benchmark to measure fiscal performance had touched 71.02 per cent till June this year, a healthy sign by any standards, he said adding that the zone would contribute its share to accomplish the 'mission 800 mt freight loading' set by the Ministry of Railways.

With a view to enhancing passenger amenities, plans were afoot to spend Rs 50 crore during the year. The works, include remodelling of station buildings, extension of platforms, platform shelters, foot-overbridges and arrangements for safe drinking water.

He called on the railway employees to celebrate the special year in a befitting manner by highlighting the role of SCR in development of economy, industry and tourism in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

UNI CS ROY 1010