HISTORIC FEET ACHIEVED BY NCR BY LOADING 100 RAKES OF MAIZE THIS SEASON

Prayagraj, 01 Sept (HS): Demonstrating strong operational resilience and

commercial momentum, North Central Railway (NCR) has registered impressive

growth in its freight loading performance for both the month of August and the

cumulative period of the current financial year 2026–27.

For August 2026, NCR recorded a total freight loading of 1.771 Million

Tonnes (MT), reflecting an 11.0% growth compared to the 1.596 MT loaded during

the same month last year. On a cumulative basis for the current financial year

(April–August 2026), NCR achieved 9.015 MT in freight loading—an 8.2% surge

over the 8.331 MT achieved in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal

year.

Major Freight Drivers & Strategic Maize Surge (April–August 2026): Strategic

Surge in Maize & Foodgrains Movement: Foodgrain loading recorded an extraordinary

growth of 59.6% in tonnage year-on-year (0.75 MT compared to 0.47 MT last

year). A key driver of this surge was the dedicated loading of over 100 maize

rakes (100.5 rakes) during the June–August period across key stations,

including Mainpuri Etah, Hathras Junction and Shikohabad of Prayagraj

division.

New Commodity Inceptions: For the first time since the inception of NCR,

Dolomite loading commenced from Maharaja Chhatrasal station (26 rakes / 0.103

MT) in Jhansi division starting April 2026. Additionally, first-time Iron Ore

loading was successfully launched from Barwa Sagar station in Jhansi

division.

Solid Commodity Growth: Significant gains were witnessed across key bulk

categories, including Cement (+10.3% in tonnage; 1.60 MT), Stone & Ballast

(+21.4%; 0.38 MT), Containers (+10.0%; 1.43 MT), and De-oiled Cake / DOC

(+24.2%; 0.27 MT).

Key Highlights Across Divisions (April–August 2026): Prayagraj Division: Led

the zone’s growth trajectory with a stellar year-on-year cumulative increase of

28.7%, achieving 3.670 MT against 2.852 MT last year (surpassing its target of

3.590 MT by 2.2%). For August alone, Prayagraj recorded 0.693 MT, reflecting a

23.5% jump over August 2025.

Jhansi Division: Achieved 4.063 MT in cumulative loading, registering a 5.0%

growth over last year's 3.871 MT. Monthly loading for August stood at 0.785 MT,

marking a 14.4% increase year-on-year.

Agra Division: Contributed 1.282 MT cumulatively and 0.293 MT during the

month of August 2026.

Driving Factors Behind the Success: Crediting the team for these results,

General Manager, North Central Railway, Shri Naresh Pal Singh, highlighted that

this continuous growth is a direct result of meticulous planning, proactive

operations, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.

The growth trajectory has been driven by three core pillars:

Smooth & Dynamic Operational Planning: Optimized route utilization,

proactive rake management, and continuous monitoring of section capacity to

minimize turnaround time.

Customer-Friendly Approach: Sustained engagement with key freight clients,

offering customized logistical solutions, and ensuring hassle-free terminal

operations.

Smart & Precise Execution: Ground-level coordination across divisions

ensuring seamless mobility and enhanced operational efficiency.

With strong momentum established in the first five months of the financial

year, North Central Railway remains dedicated to building stronger partnerships

with freight customers and setting higher benchmarks in freight transportation

in the coming months.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi