Freight earnings rise this month

Chandigarh, December 15

The Ambala Division of Northern Railways has recorded a significant jump in freight earnings ever since farmers’ rail roko protest moved from railway tracks to the national highway.

This month, the division recorded its freight earnings at Rs140.91 crore in the past 13 days, which is 23 per cent higher than its earnings in November. The figures are expected to rise, said officials.

Farmers across Punjab had given a call for Punjab Bandh on September 25 after the controversial farm bills were passed by the Centre. On November 26, the farmers decided to take their demands and agitation to Delhi.

Vivek Sharma, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Ambala Division, said: “From September till November end, we were loading only from four stations in Haryana. However now, we are now loading from over 30 stations.”

In October this year, the division’s freight earnings stood at Rs64 crore, whereas in November, the earnings stood at Rs114.39 crore. — TNS