Exim News Service reported that the Railways is considering a special package to help the 15 private container train operators who have been hit hard by the economic slowdown.
As per report, almost 20% of the 66 rakes introduced by the operators are idling because of a fall in container cargo traffic over the last 2 months.
A Railway Ministry official revealed that the supportive measures are expected to be announced in a few days. The Railways may withdraw the 5% to 15% increase in freight haulage charges introduced in September 2008.
According to sources, also, haulage charges on carriage of empty containers may be reduced. A cut in the stabling or parking charges, for rakes at railway sidings is also being planned.
The report added that the India Railways now charges INR 9,990 for export traffic and INR 10,250 for import traffic between Delhi and JN Port for an empty TEU. The fee for parking is INR 20,000 per day.
A private container operator said that "Because of the ongoing slowdown, on an average, only 60% of the rakes are loaded. We have to pay haulage charges even for empty containers. If this fee is done away with for empty containers, it will help us price aggressively and attract traffic from the road sector."
The report further added that the Railways is also likely to allow private operators to use its freight terminals for loading and unloading container cargo. This is expected to provide the operators more loading and unloading points. At present, the Railways depend on the limited number of private Inland Container Depots to generate cargo traffic.
Source : Exim News Service