Railways is making an effort to make freight transportation quick, cost-effective, efficient and conducive for business. The core of the initiative revolves around containerized transport of goods. Goods such as fly ash, fertilizers, food grains, flour and pulses can now be transported via containers. It ensures that the goods are protected against the elements such as rain and dust.

Unloading of goods at different locations can take place as per requirement. Previously, the entire rake used to wait until it was entirely unloaded; however, unloading of rakes can happen much earlier with the help of the containerized method. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced eight new reforms on Tuesday, increasing the number of reforms through the "Reform Express" program to 17. The government aims to introduce 52 reforms in 52 weeks.

The objective of these reforms is to shift freight transport from road to rail. Rail freight transport generates approximately 90 percent less carbon emission compared to road transport. The container-based system will ensure greater safety for goods, accelerate transportation, and help reduce the country's logistics costs.

Private companies will be able to design specialized freight wagons according to their needs, which will be operated on the railway network after undergoing trials. Oil companies will also be able to purchase or lease specialized tank wagons. For the first time, a certification system has been introduced for welders, fitters, and other artisans working on railway projects to strengthen both the quality and safety of construction work.

Approximately 340 million tonnes of fly ash are generated annually in the country, a large portion of which currently remains unutilized. The Railways will now arrange for its transportation in closed containers. This will reduce dust pollution and facilitate the easy transport of fly ash to the cement industry, thereby easing the burden on roads and benefiting the environment. The Railways has also simplified the licensing system for container train operators. Previously, there were various categories and fee structures, but now a unified license will be issued for the entire country. This will enable companies to operate container trains across the rail network, thereby boosting private investment, fostering competition, and enhancing the efficiency of the logistics sector.

The Railways transports approximately 85 percent of the country's fertilizer; the freight rate structure for this has been simplified to a 'per tonne per kilometer' basis. This same system will also apply to food grains, flour, and pulses. Container-based transport will facilitate phased supply to warehouses, ensuring the timely availability of goods for farmers, distributors, and consumers.

Several changes have also been introduced regarding construction works. Contractors will be required to deposit a performance security of 10 percent at the outset. Contractors facing pending litigation valued at more than 50 percent of their net worth will be ineligible to participate in railway tenders. Additionally, the 'Rail Bhumi' digital platform has been launched to expedite land acquisition.

Railways is making an effort to make freight transportation quick, cost-effective, efficient and conducive for business. The core of the initiative revolves around containerized transport of goods. Goods such as fly ash, fertilizers, food grains, flour and pulses can now be transported via containers. It ensures that the goods are protected against the elements such as rain and dust.

Unloading of goods at different locations can take place as per requirement. Previously, the entire rake used to wait until it was entirely unloaded; however, unloading of rakes can happen much earlier with the help of the containerized method. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced eight new reforms on Tuesday, increasing the number of reforms through the "Reform Express" program to 17. The government aims to introduce 52 reforms in 52 weeks.

The objective of these reforms is to shift freight transport from road to rail. Rail freight transport generates approximately 90 percent less carbon emission compared to road transport. The container-based system will ensure greater safety for goods, accelerate transportation, and help reduce the country's logistics costs.

Private companies will be able to design specialized freight wagons according to their needs, which will be operated on the railway network after undergoing trials. Oil companies will also be able to purchase or lease specialized tank wagons. For the first time, a certification system has been introduced for welders, fitters, and other artisans working on railway projects to strengthen both the quality and safety of construction work.

Approximately 340 million tonnes of fly ash are generated annually in the country, a large portion of which currently remains unutilized. The Railways will now arrange for its transportation in closed containers. This will reduce dust pollution and facilitate the easy transport of fly ash to the cement industry, thereby easing the burden on roads and benefiting the environment. The Railways has also simplified the licensing system for container train operators. Previously, there were various categories and fee structures, but now a unified license will be issued for the entire country. This will enable companies to operate container trains across the rail network, thereby boosting private investment, fostering competition, and enhancing the efficiency of the logistics sector.

The Railways transports approximately 85 percent of the country's fertilizer; the freight rate structure for this has been simplified to a 'per tonne per kilometer' basis. This same system will also apply to food grains, flour, and pulses. Container-based transport will facilitate phased supply to warehouses, ensuring the timely availability of goods for farmers, distributors, and consumers.

Several changes have also been introduced regarding construction works. Contractors will be required to deposit a performance security of 10 percent at the outset. Contractors facing pending litigation valued at more than 50 percent of their net worth will be ineligible to participate in railway tenders. Additionally, the 'Rail Bhumi' digital platform has been launched to expedite land acquisition.