In a monumental achievement, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has set a new benchmark in freight loading for the Financial Year 2023-24. Surpassing all previous records of Indian Railways, ECoR has successfully loaded a staggering 250 million tons of freight from April 1, 2023, to March 25, 2024, marking a historic milestone in the zone’s history.
ECoR has not only shattered its own previous records but has also become the first zone to achieve this feat in the current fiscal year, cementing its position as a leader in freight transportation. This accomplishment marks the fifth consecutive year that ECoR has crossed the milestone of 200 million tons of freight loading.
The three divisions of ECoR – Khurda Road, Waltair, and Sambalpur – have played pivotal roles in achieving this remarkable feat. Khurda Road Division notably contributed 156.17 million tons, followed by Waltair Division with 74.66 million tons and Sambalpur Division with 19.20 million tons, all surpassing their previous year’s loading figures.
During the fiscal year 2023-24, ECoR loaded a diverse range of freight, including 149.50 million tons of coal, 12.9 million tons of raw materials for steel plants, 20.15 million tons of steel and slag, 37.4 million tons of iron ore, and various other commodities such as cement, food grains, fertilizers, and mineral oil.
Key contributors to this achievement include the coalfields of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) at Talcher, major ports within ECoR’s jurisdiction, iron ore mines in Bailadila and Keonjhar District, and prominent steel and aluminum companies.
Despite facing numerous challenges, ECoR’s exceptional performance underscores its commitment to efficient freight transportation. The remarkable success can be attributed to meticulous planning and coordination with government sectors and industries.
Under the leadership of General Manager Manoj Sharma, ECoR has demonstrated a commendable spirit of determination and dedication. Sharma’s proactive approach and unwavering support have been instrumental in motivating the workforce to achieve this remarkable feat. With a forward-thinking attitude and relentless hard work, ECoR continues to set new standards in freight transportation, reaffirming its status as a trailblazer in the Indian railway sector.