Date:02/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/01/02/stories/2009010251420500.htm

Back Iron ore exporters continue to get discounts for using rail

Our Bureau

New Delhi, Jan. 1 The Indian Railways has decided to extend the distance-based discounts of up to 50 per cent for iron ore for export traffic.

In early November 2008, the Railways had announced reductions of 10-50 per cent in freight charges for long distance iron ore export traffic, the discounts were valid till December 31.

For the South East Central Railway, South Western Railway and West Central Railway, the discounts have been extended till March 31. For the South Eastern Railway, the discount has been extended till January 31.

IRON ORE LOADINGS

In November 2008, the Railways had seen a 52 per cent drop in loadings of iron ore for exports against the corresponding period the previous fiscal, and a 58 per cent drop in net tonne kilometre (NTKM). NTKM is a performance parameter that measures both loading and distance (lead).

In September, the Railways had seen a 33 per cent drop in loadings of iron ore for exports (against September 2007), and a 48 per cent drop in NTKM. In August, the Railways had seen 18 per cent drop in loadings of iron ore exports and 31 per cent drop in NTKM.