SCR freight loading up by 10 per cent

Vijayawada, Aug 15 (UNI) The South Central Railway (SCR) has achieved an originating freight loading of 21.4 million tonnes (mts) till July this fiscal, a robust growth of over 10 per cent, as against 19.5 mts in the corresponding period last year.

SCR General Manager H K Padhee, in his 60th Independence day message today, said in terms of originating earnings, SCR registered an impressive growth of 12.4 per cent over last year, compared to the Indian Railway's growth of 10.5 per cent.

Signifying its place of pride among the 16 zonal railways, Mr Padhee said SCR continued to contribute the second highest apportioned earnings to the Indian Railways exchequer.

The operating ratio, a benchmark of financial efficiency has been pegged at 69 per cent from April till July this year continuing with the optimal standards maintained in the previous year. The zone's budgetary outlay for the current financial year 2007-2008 has been increased to Rs 1611.29 crore, the highest-ever, he added.

To provide better amenities for the passengers Rs 85 crore has been allocated for the current year, he said.

UNI