Pune railway division achieved a significant milestone with the dispatch of its first cargo special train from Khadki station to Sankarel-Howrah. This development comes as part of the efforts by the Business Development Unit (BDU), established by the commercial and operations department of the Pune railway division, to enhance the revenue of the railways.
Pune boasts a substantial industrial area, but until now, many parcels were transported by road instead of utilizing the railway infrastructure. However, the BDU team’s proactive efforts have successfully diverted goods from road transport to the railway route. The inaugural cargo train consisted of 14 VPU (Motor cum Parcel Van) coaches, carrying predominantly white goods such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and televisions. With a total weight of 322 tonnes, this maiden journey generated revenue exceeding ₹15 lakhs for the railway.
Ramdas Bhise, spokesperson for the Pune railway division, expressed optimism about the future prospects of freight and parcel loading in the region. He stated that approximately seven to eight parcel rakes are expected to be loaded onto the Pune railway division every month, potentially generating a revenue of ₹1-1.2 crore. The successful implementation of the BDU initiative, led by Divisional Railway Manager Indu Dubey, has facilitated the acquisition of new business for the division. Economic rates and safe operations are some of the key features driving the shift towards rail transportation.
To bolster revenue, the Pune railway division established BDUs in November 2020. These units are dedicated to taking measures to boost freight and parcel loading on the railway network. By diverting goods from road transport to the more efficient and economical railway route, the division aims to maximize its revenue potential and contribute to the growth of the rail transport sector.
The dispatch of the first cargo special train from Khadki station marks a significant step forward for the Pune railway division. It not only showcases the division’s ability to handle freight transportation effectively but also highlights the benefits of rail transport in terms of cost-effectiveness and safety. The railway division is optimistic about further expanding its cargo operations and continuing to contribute to the overall development of the region’s transportation infrastructure.
