CARGO
TRANSPORT – ECONOMY
News: How
cargo transport can be improved
Indian
Railways Initiatives to improve bulk cargo:
1.
Relaxation of rake movement rules: It provides a facility
to load from/to multiple locations, permitted mini rakes and introduced private
freight terminals (PFTs).
2. Gati Shakti Terminal (GCT) policy: It will lead to all PFTs and
private sidings being converted into GCTs. A private siding is a railway line
that is owned by a company and is connected to a railway.
3. Partnership with private freight operators: IR has encouraged them
to invest in wagons thus helping in the induction of privately-owned wagons to
facilitate specialised traffic like automobiles and fly ash.
Government
measures to improve the cargo transport system:
1.
PM Gati Shakti (PMGS) policy for a National Master Plan (NMP):
The PMGS aims to bring synergy to create a seamless multi-modal transport
network with the NMP employing technology tools for coordinated planning.
2. National Logistics Policy (NLP): The NLP focuses on building a
national logistics portal and integrating platforms of various ministries.
3. Integration of postal and railway networks: This integration was
happened to bring better logistical solutions to the rural areas.
4. One station – one product: This scheme aims to build each railway
station as a promotional hub and showcasing local and indigenous manufacturing
products.
5. Introduction of 400 Vande Bharat trains: This Vande Bharath trains
will ease the passenger travelling with reduced time.
WAY
FORWARD:
1.
Reducing barriers: Indian Railways should reduce non-price
barriers to entry of private players.
2. Developing common-user facilities at cargo aggregation and dispersal
points: Especially in mining clusters, industrial clusters and large
cities.
3. Collaboration with State governments: The knowledge of these
clusters rests with the States, and thus collaboration with State governments
is necessary.
4. Transport new commodities as well: For instance, fly ash.
5. Wagon-design reforms: IR should encourage and liberalise the design
of new wagons amenable to higher and efficient loading.
6. Parity in environmental regulation: Absence of stringent
environmental regulations in road sector has led to some users moving cargo by
road. There should be no such disparity in regulation between modes of
transport.