Kolkata: Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu said that Indian Railways is not getting enough cargo though it has a capacity to handle 1.2 billion tonnes annually.
He said the problem was an issue external to the railways sector. "We are very geared up to handle cargo of up to 1.20 billion tonnes this year. We are ready. We told the CM (Mamata Banerjee) also that we can handle more coal but we are not getting enough cargo," Prabhu said at a Bharat Chamber of Commerce session.
"So, if we can get more cargo we will be more than happy, we are geared up for everything. The next working season, which starts mainly in October, is the time when we have the pick up in demand for cargo. I hope that the demand picks up and so we are able to post even better results for this year," the minister added.
Prabhu described Railways as the most eco-friendly form of transport which is a key component of the 'Make In India' programme. "By improving physical connectivity, the Railways are significant to economic growth and can add 2-3 per cent to our GDP," he said adding that the operations needed to be efficient and commercially viable.
On the various schemes announced in the last budget, he said that 79 such schemes had already been implemented. "In fact each of the budget announcement was made into actionable point. Monitoring has been made online," he said further adding that this year they will be investing Rs 1,10,000 crore which is the highest-ever amount invested.
Once it is implemented, issues like congestion, delays and renovation of networks would be addressed.
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