Box train operators’ demands ignored

The Association of Container Train Operators (ACTO) has decided to meet Railway Board officials to present its set of demands that have not been fulfilled in the Railway Budget.
For one thing, the 10 per cent rebate in haulage charges on domestic movement of containerised cargo, in the weight category of at least 20 tonnes, has been removed from June 30.
According to Exim News Service, there has also been a 2-5 per cent increase in the haulage charges, much to the dismay of the private container operators.
"The increase in haulage charges since July 1 and the removal of the discount for domestic cargo movement are quite disappointing. We had earlier submitted our demands, but nothing has been done in the Budget. Hence, we will be meeting officials from the Railway Board this week to put forth the demands," a top official from ACTO explained.
ACTO will also seek a reduction in the haulage charges for empty container trains, as well as assured transit times.
The rebate had been granted to the 16 licensed container train operators in the country since November 1, 2008. The rebate was initially given till December, extended till March and then till June, after operators petitioned the Ministry of Railways for a complete rollback of the 5-16 per cent hike in rail haulage charges in some weight categories from August 1. The discount was not applicable to movement of ex-im cargo of all weight categories.
Now, the operators have to pay haulage charges to the Railways for using its track, signalling and telecommunication infrastructure. Such charges typically account for about 80-85 per cent of their operational expenses.
"Since we have already put forth our demand we thought something will come out in the Budget, but it did not. At the meeting, we will also demand reduction of the haulage charges for empty trains," the official asserted.
Nevertheless, several operators have welcomed the setting up of mega logistics hubs in Eastern and Western corridors and the policy to allow private freight terminals.
"The use of railway land bank for industrial development, freight terminals and multi-modal logistics parks is likely to have a positive impact on the logistics sector," observed the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Transport Corporation of India, Mr D. P. Agarwal.

Source: Transport Weekly