The first coal-loaded freight rake was flagged off from Pakur siding on Monday for Ropar Thermal Power Plant in Punjab. With this, the first Gati Shakti Cargo terminal of the Eastern Railway at Pakur came into life. Loading of freight rakes at this terminal was discontinued since April 1, 2015.
This much-awaited movement will fetch ₹1.2 crore Railway revenue per rake with an expected 4-rake loading per day. Earlier, coal rake from Pakur was loaded through joint collaboration of PANEM. The PSPCL (Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd.) Authority assured local people that the company will provide employment for the villagers and arrange for a development programme through CSR.
It will, therefore, provide job opportunities to the local people through various means like deployment as skilled or unskilled labours, supply of vehicles, and another mode from time to time.
Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal Policy was recently launched by the Prime Minister and is expected to be a game changer in the field of traffic transportation in terms of improving speed and mobility, reducing logistic costs, and enhancing capacity. In compliance with the proliferation of the newly implemented Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal Policy adopted by Indian Railways, Eastern Railway’s Howrah Division has started the operation of its first Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal at Pakur.