Western railway crossed the 5000 crores milestone in originating revenue

Western Railway has taken best possible efforts to increase its revenue and continued to maintain the momentum. Although the passenger & freight traffic suffered due to the COVID – 19 pandemic situation, WR performed exceptionally well in comparison to last year.

Due to sustained efforts, WR crossed the milestone of Rs. 5000 cr originating revenue on 21st August, 2021. According to a press release issued by Sumit Thakur - Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, during the period from 1st April – 21st Aug, 2021, WR achieved revenue of Rs. 5033 cr registering a growth of 53% in comparison to previous year for the corresponding period. More than 100% increase in revenue has been achieved from Passenger, Parcel & Ticket checking segments. The originating number of passengers travelled stood at 143 million which has increased manifold against previous year's tally of 9.93 million. It is also noteworthy to mention that the Non-Fare Revenue of Rs. 4.16 cr is highest on Indian Railways amongst all Zones.

Thakur further informed that almost 80% of the total revenue has been attained from freight traffic. The paradigm shift in policies, aggressive marketing efforts have lead to revenue of Rs. 4030 crores from freight loading which has contributed to almost 80% of the total revenue. During the period from 1st April to 21st August, 2021, Western Railway has transported commodities weighing more than 1 lakh tonnes through its 285 parcel special trains, which included agricultural produce, medicines, medical equipment, fish, milk. The revenue generated through this transportation, has been approx Rs. 37.47 crores. 72 Milk Special trains were run by Western Rly, with a load of more than 50 thousand tonnes and 100% utilization of the wagons.

Similarly, 85 COVID-19 special parcel trains with a load of approx. 14,900 tonnes were also run to transport essential commodities. In addition to this, 53 indented rakes carrying about 25,000 tonnes were also run with 100% utilization. To help the farmers find new markets for their produce and also for its economical and fast transportation, 75 Kisan Rails with load of more than 18,600 tonnes have also been run during this period from various divisions.

Thakur also stated that, during the period from 1st April to 21st August, 2021 total 14,944 rakes of goods trains have been run by WR and carried 32.56 million tonnes of essential commodities as compared to 25.86 million tonnes in the corresponding period last year. 31151 freight trains were interchanged with other zonal railways, of which 15595 trains were handed over and 15556 trains were taken over at different interchange points.