Lok Sabha Question No. 2329 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-30
Subject: Freight Charges
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: SUNIL KUMAR SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2329 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2016

## FREIGHT CHARGES

†2329. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of freight charges for transportation of coal in the country;
- (b)  the  number  of  stations  in  the  country  including  Jharkhand where siding has been provided for coal transportation;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  fact  that  the residents of cities nearby stations from where coal is transported are facing huge difficulties due to fly ash;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  has  received  any  complaints  of corruption in the railways regarding transportation of coal; and
- (e) if so, the details  thereof  and  the  action  taken  by  the Government on above complaints?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2329 BY SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 30.11.2016 REGARDING FREIGHT CHARGES

(a)  The  coal  tariff  has  been  rationalized  from  22.08.2016.  The classification of Coal has been revised from Class-145 to Class-145A (Trainload) and Class-145B (Wagonload). The basic freight charges of coal at average lead and at select distances are given below:-

| Distance         | Basic Freight per Tonne (₹)   | Basic Freight per Tonne (₹)   |
|------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------|
| (in Kilometers)  | Trainload                     | Wagonload                     |
| 100              | 164.50                        | 172.70                        |
| 350              | 516.00                        | 541.80                        |
| 500              | 712.00                        | 747.60                        |
| 525 Average lead | 844.00                        | 886.20                        |
| 1000             | 1349.50                       | 1417.00                       |
| 1500             | 1961.20                       | 2059.30                       |
| 2000             | 2243.40                       | 2355.60                       |
| 2500             | 2518.40                       | 2644.30                       |

This rationalisation has resulted in reduction in rates on long leads  due  to  reduction  in  distance  slabs  beyond  700  km.  For example  the  percentage  reduction  in  freight  rates  for  distance between 1501 to 2000 kilometer is in the range of 4 to 13 percent, while beyond 2000 kilometer the reduction is in the range of 9 to 15 percent.

(b)  There  are  3,628  number  of  railways  stations/sidings  open  for handling of coal traffic in the country including Jharkhand.

Contd….2/-

(c)  Agencies handling coal at railway stations/sidings are required to  comply  with  the  extant  norms  issued  by  the  designated  State Agencies  regarding  pollution.  The  following  steps  are  normally taken to minimize pollution due to coal dust/ash:

- (i) Sprinkling of water at the time of unloading.
- (ii) growing of trees in the vicinity .
- (iii) Provision of wall/barricade along with the unloading line, and
- (iv) To cover coal wagons with tarpaulins to keep the surrounding air free of dust.
- (d) No, Madam.
- (e) Does not arise.

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