Bhubaneswar, January 12: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has recorded encouraging performance in freight loading during the current financial year. During the period up to December, the ECoR achieved a total freight loading of 209.97 million tonnes, registering a growth of 11% over the corresponding period of last year, said an ECoR release on Monday.

The performance also shows a 4% increase over the set target, highlighting consistent operational momentum, it said.

Commodity wise performance indicated notable growth in several segments.

"Loading of fertilizers increased significantly by 40%, while finished steel registered a growth of 31%. Iron ore loading rose by 20%, and food grains recorded an increase of 16%, underscoring the Railway’s crucial role in supporting agriculture and core industries. Coal, the principal commodity, maintained steady performance, ensuring uninterrupted supply to power and industrial sectors," it stated.

Several key initiatives have been instrumental in achieving this remarkable success. This includes the construction and commissioning of new rail lines, along with the doubling and third and fourth line projects, boosting connectivity across the region, linking industries with mineral belts and ports through an expanded rail infrastructure, strengthening the zone’s position as a critical freight hub and continued collaboration and planning with various government agencies and industries to ensure the timely and efficient movement of goods, read the statement.

The East Coast Railway continues to raise the bar in freight transportation, setting new benchmarks for operational excellence and contributing to the economic growth of the nation. The zone remains committed to enhancing its capabilities and providing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions for the future, asserted the statement.