East Coast Railway Creates History: Becomes the First Railway Zone to Achieve 250 MT of Freight Loading in 2024-25

East Coast Railway (ECoR) has set a new benchmark in Indian Railways by becoming the first railway zone in India to achieve 250 million tons (MT) of originating freight in the financial year 2024-25. This milestone was reached on March 21, 2024, 11 days ahead of schedule, solidifying ECoR’s reputation as the highest freight-loading railway zone in the country.

East Coast Railway’s Historic Milestone

East Coast Railway (ECoR) has once again demonstrated its efficiency and dominance in freight transportation by surpassing 250 MT of originating freight loading for the second consecutive year. This extraordinary achievement has reinforced its position as a key player in India’s logistics and economic growth.

Significance of the Achievement

• Highest Freight Loading Zone: ECoR’s freight loading record has surpassed all previous benchmarks of Indian Railways, making it the top-performing railway zone in terms of freight movement.
• Consistent Performance: This is the second consecutive year that ECoR has crossed the 250 MT mark.
• Sustained Growth: ECoR has achieved over 200 MT of freight loading for the sixth consecutive year, highlighting its operational efficiency and strategic planning.

Freight Unloading Performance

Apart from originating freight, ECoR has also registered a remarkable performance in freight unloading:

• In 2024-25, ECoR has unloaded 228.3 MT of freight under its jurisdiction.
• This marks a 2.6% increase compared to the previous fiscal year (2023-24).
• By March 21, 2023, ECoR had unloaded 222.4 MT of freight, demonstrating continuous growth in freight operations.

Key Contributors to ECoR’s Success

The three railway divisions under ECoR have played a crucial role in achieving this record-breaking milestone. The primary contributors to freight loading include:

1. Coalfields

• The Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) at Talcher has been one of the largest contributors to freight movement.

2. Major Ports

Five key ports under ECoR’s jurisdiction have significantly contributed to freight movement:

1. Paradeep Port
2. Dhamara Port
3. Visakhapatnam Port
4. Gangavaram Port
5. Gopalpur Port

3. Iron Ore Mines

• Bailadila Mines in Chhattisgarh and mines in Keonjhar District, Odisha, have been crucial in iron ore transportation.

4. Steel and Aluminium Industries

• Steel and aluminium industries have also been major freight contributors, ensuring a consistent demand for transportation services.

Factors Behind ECoR’s Success

Despite facing various operational challenges, ECoR has achieved this milestone due to:

1. Meticulous Planning

• Efficient logistics planning and seamless coordination with industries and stakeholders have been key factors.

2. Strong Coordination with Government and Industries

• ECoR has closely worked with government sectors, private industries, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth freight movement.

3. Commitment to Efficiency

• The dedicated workforce of ECoR has played a critical role in ensuring timely freight operations.
• The positive attitude and relentless efforts of employees have helped maintain this growth trajectory.

Official Statement by ECoR General Manager

Parmeshwar Funkwal, General Manager of East Coast Railway, acknowledged the hard work of the railway staff and emphasized the importance of this achievement. He stated that:

• This record-breaking freight loading has significantly contributed to India’s economic growth.
• ECoR remains committed to enhancing freight transportation efficiency.
• The achievement further cements ECoR’s leadership position in freight transportation across the country.

Impact on National Economy and Logistics

The outstanding performance of East Coast Railway has substantial implications for the national economy:

• Boost to Industrial Growth: The movement of raw materials such as coal, iron ore, and steel supports various industries, contributing to economic development.
• Enhancing Trade and Exports: Efficient freight movement through major ports boosts export activities.
• Strengthening Railway Revenue: Increased freight loading helps Indian Railways improve financial performance.

Summary of the News

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	ECoR becomes the first railway zone in India to achieve 250 MT of originating freight in FY 2024-25, 11 days ahead of schedule.
Total Freight Loaded	250 million tons (MT)
Achievement Date	March 21, 2024
Consecutive Years Above 250 MT	2 years
Consecutive Years Above 200 MT	6 years
Freight Unloaded in 2024-25	228.3 million tons
Increase in Freight Unloading	2.6% growth compared to 2023-24
Major Contributors	Coalfields (MCL), 5 key ports, iron ore mines, steel and aluminium industries
Key Ports Involved	Paradeep, Dhamara, Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Gopalpur
Major Iron Ore Mines	Bailadila (Chhattisgarh), Keonjhar (Odisha)
ECoR General Manager	Parmeshwar Funkwal
Significance	Reinforces ECoR’s position as the top freight-loading railway zone in India, significantly contributing to India’s economic growth.