CR sets new milestones during 2021-22 fiscal
The non-fare revenue, Kisan Rail and hybrid OBHS contributed to the new highs of the Central Railway
The last fiscal 2021-22 has turned out to be a year of touching new highs for the Central Railway (CR) which not only succeeded in retaining the number one position in non-fare revenue among all the zonal railways but also created a record of running the most number of Kisan Rail services.
During the financial year 2021-22, the CR generated Rs 40.41 crore as the non-fare revenue which is 93.16 per cent as compared to the year 2020-2021 when it mopped Rs 20.92 crore.
Also, the CR registered its highest-ever parcel revenue of Rs 322.82 crore for the financial year 2021-22 which is 106.86 per cent more than the revenue of Rs156.06 crore earned during the financial year 2020-21. "This is a remarkable achievement in view of the aftermath of the challenging Covid pandemic," said the rail officials.
Commenting on the significant movement of Kisan Rail services, they explained, “The growth in parcel traffic is mainly driven by successful running of Kisan Rail carrying perishable traffic from the area to the far-flung markets of the country. In the financial year 2021-22, Kisan Rail has made 946 trips to various destinations transporting 3.46 lakh tonne which is so far the highest on Indian Railway.”
Since its inception on August 7, 2020, Kisan Rail has made 1,173 trips till date, transporting 4.17 lakh tonne of agricultural produce across the country.
Speaking about the whopping generation of non-fare revenue, a senior CR officer said, “Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune Divisions of the CR have awarded works under ‘Hybrid OBHS’ (on board housekeeping service) contracts on earning model for six trains with an annual license fee of Rs 40.5 lakh for one year.”
Under this scheme, exterior and interior advertising, infotainment, train vending of multipurpose item, including disposable linen and promotional rights, are allowed to licensee. This helps the CR to save on the OBHS and bedroll services".
"In addition, the contract for vending of non-catering items to onboard passengers on Nagpur division, app-based ewheelchair services etc are major non-fare revenue sources. A pilot project for Comprehensive On-board Passenger Services in Mahanagri Express is also in process," the official apprised.
According to the CR General Manager, Anil Kumar Lahoti, parcel transportation by rail is the safest, quickest and the most environment- friendly option available for customers. The CR’s efforts in setting up business development units in all its divisions has provided easy access to businessmen, traders and dealers to transport their goods quickly. The Kisan Rail has proved to be a big success story which has greatly benefited farmers, small and medium entrepreneurs, he underscored.