Railways may shift to 'single-rate per container' policy to lure FMCG

With an eye on high-value freight like computer parts, engineering spares, electronic and FMCG, the Indian railways plans to shift to a 'single rate per container regime'

The Indian Railways is contemplating a radical change in its tariff policy in order to attract and encourage transport of unconventional cargo, the Economic Times reported.

If the proposal under consideration is approved by the Railways then, a 40-tonne milk truck can cover a 640-km distance from Palanpur (Gujarat) to Rewari (Haryana) for up to Rs 22,000 across the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) network. This will cost less than the usual Rs 29,000 one-way trip for this service. 

"Milk suppliers, including Amul and Banas Dairy, that are interested in meeting this demand from these northern regions can avail the service,"