Heralding a new chapter in backward and Naxal-infested Gadchiroli district, Central Railway started hauling of iron ore mined from Surjagad mines. First rake of mineral ore was loaded at Ballarshah, located in Chandrapur district, on Wednesday, to be dispatched for Pen in Raigad district in Mumbai Division where M/s Jindal have their Private Freight Terminal (PFT). Krishnath Patil, Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr. DCM), Nagpur Division, who was present at goods shed said it was really a great day for the region. Apart from Railways, starting of iron ore transport marks a red letter day for the Vidarbha region, and Surjagad in particular. In times to come, this could herald a new chapter in spurring faster industrial development of the area.

 

The iron ore from Gadchiroli is rated as one of the finest and is useful in steel manufacturing. For Nagpur Division one trip to Pen would fetch Rs 70 lakh and today’s maiden dispatch is a trial run and if it succeeds then daily two trips could be booked and the cargo is booked for dispatch to M/s PNP Maritime Service Limited. The dispatch was on cards but before that railway officials needed to cross several hurdles that came in the way. Said field team officials who were chasing the cargo, it was fruit of three months intense hard work and is testimony to success of Business Development Unit (BDU). Lloyd Metals and Energy Limited, Ghughus, has bagged rights for mining the iron ore but during last one decade the naxal threat ensured that there was no dispatch of the precious metal. Finally, with easing of Naxal threat, the company began exploring ways to transport the material and Railways came into picture. With absence of rail link in Gadchiroli, they first attempted road route. However the same was not feasible given the bulk quantity and large distance that was pre-requisite for success of dispatch.

 

Thus CR's BDU team approached the company and offered them a lucrative deal and from then started a real dash as several clearances were needed for which Patil said close co-ordination was done with State Government officials. Besides Environmental clearances were also required as also permission for transport of mineral and this took nearly three months period. Ballarshah Goods Depot was zeroed on as this was the nearest from Surjagad mines, around 150 kms. For division officials however a major task was on hand as Patil elaborated while talking to The Hitavada from spot. He said the shed was inactive since last ten to 12 years and hence very first entire area was needed to be spruced up to enable loading. A platform was needed to allow stacking of iron ore and offer other required facility for 24x7 transport. Patil said entire division's team including officials from Engineering, Operating, Mechanical, Electrical apart from Commercial Branch combined their efforts to ensure that traffic of iron ore starts of on successful note. Officials familiar with developments said Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Richa Khare was keeping tabs on all aspects and periodical reviewed the progress. For railways iron ore traffic is of prime importance as same is charged as Train Load Class of 165 that attracts higher freight rate and is compared with steel and coal. Also, Wagon Registration Fee of one rake is Rs. two lakh where as for other traffic it is only Rs. 50,00. In Railways, higher the class higher the freight for rakes and there is all excitement in division. 

 

 Iron ore mined at Surjagad stacked at Ballarshah goods shed.

 

Nagpur Division records 40 million tonnes goods loading for first time For Nagpur Division it was another day of record as it crossed 40 million tonnes in goods transportation, for the first time and much thanks to iron ore as one rake transports 4070 tonnes in one go in 59 wagons. Stating this Ashutosh Shrivastav, Sr. Divisional Operating Manager (Sr. DoM) said last year cumulative goods loaded weighed 35 million tonnes and that is already surpassed this year with a month still in hand. As to iron ore traffic, Shrivastav said they are targeting touching destination within 30 hours provided there is not much congestion eroute. Indeed capturing iron ore traffic is another high point for division and all efforts are on to accommodate additional cargo in case the company has additional demand to cater, said Shrivastav while replying to a querry. Given the high iron content in the ore mined from Surjagad the company marketing efforts can ensure further surge in demand from all parts of country in near future.