New Delhi, January 14: Cash-strapped railways today said it was optimistic about achieving its earning target for the current fiscal in view of appreciable freight loadings in fertiliser, foodgrains and parcels besides increased earnings from advertising.
“We are confident of achieving earnings targets of Rs 94,765 crores due to the positive growth in parcel loadings and in fertiliser and foodgrains among others,” Railway Board Chairman Vivek Sahai told PTI.
Railway finances have come under strain due to the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission report.
The ban on illegal mining activities in Orissa and Karnataka has also affected railways’ revenue earnings from freight. Railways lost more than 13 million tonnes in iron ore or Rs 2,500 crores due to fall in loading in these states.
The Naxal menace also hampered its revenue earnings with Rs 800 crore being lost on account of shortfall in coal loadings.
–Agencies