Rlys sets up biz development unit to boost freight traffic

The focus of BDU is to double the freight by 2024 and foray into miscellaneous non-bulk goods traffic. Similarly, multi disciplinary BDU comprising junior administration grade officers from all major relevant fields units are being set up in all divisions of the Southern Railway to increase freight traffic.

Upon forming the BDU, U. Subba Rao, Divisional Railway Manager, Southern Railway advised members of the newly formed Business Development Committee to assist the freight customers to avail the policy and transportation benefits from the railways in order to capture new traffic.

The committee will have frequent interactions with the trade and industry to understand the existing pattern of goods transportation and explore the possibility of attracting additional freight traffic to railways. The BDU will also serve as a nodal point for speedy operationalisation of any new traffic proposals.

The freight traffic in Salem Division has been back on the track of recovery, post the nation-wide lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19.

“The freight traffic has increased consistently from 0.067 MT in April this year to 0.227 MT in May and 0.245 MT in June. Significantly, traffic in several commodities has gone up and in some commodities, has even crossed last year’s level of loading,” said Subba Rao.