Bhubaneswar, Dec 26: In a major initiative aimed at improving freight logistics and port-rail coordination, an agreement under the Engine-On-Load (EOL) Scheme has been signed between Khurda Road Division of East Coast Railway (ECoR) and Paradip Port Authority (PPA), today.

Under the Engine-On-Load Scheme, locomotives remain attached to the rake during loading and unloading operations, eliminating the need for detachment and reattachment. These results in substantial savings in time, enhanced locomotive productivity and faster turnaround of wagons and train rakes. The scheme also minimizes congestion in yards and sidings and improves overall operational fluidity.

The initiative facilitates quicker evacuation of cargo, improves asset utilization and enables more predictable and reliable freight movement. By reducing idle time of rolling stock and locomotives, the EOL Scheme contributes to capacity augmentation without additional infrastructure, aligning with Indian Railways’ mission of operational efficiency and sustainability.

The agreement was signed by Anil Kumar S, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Khurda Road Division and G. Edison, Traffic Manager, Paradip Port Authority in the presence of P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority.

This strategic collaboration is expected to significantly enhance cargo handling efficiency at Paradip Port, strengthen multimodal logistics and support the growing freight traffic on East Coast Railway, thereby contributing to regional economic growth and seamless supply chain operations.