Railways Slashes Freight Rates for Foodgrains to Boost Rail Transport

Northern Railway's Jammu Division has introduced revised freight rates for rail transportation of essential foodgrains, including wheat, rice, and flour. The move aims to reduce logistics costs, improve supply chains, and keep prices affordable for consumers.

The revised distance-based tariff will have different rates depending on the distance traveled. Transportation up to 1,000 kilometers will continue at ₹1.55 per tonne per kilometer, while freight for distances between 1,001 and 3,000 kilometers has been reduced to ₹1.15 per tonne per kilometer. For consignments transported beyond 3,001 kilometers, the rate remains the same - ₹1.15 per tonne per kilometer.

Railway officials expect this move to encourage farmers and traders to use rail transport for bulk movement of foodgrains instead of road transport. Lower freight costs are likely to reduce transportation expenses, improve market availability of wheat, rice, and flour, and help stabilize retail prices for consumers.