(a) whether the Railways have imposed a congestion surcharge on all rail container traffic originating in ports in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the said move has been opposed by certain quarters on the ground that it may impact prices of the power and steel and other manufacturing units which use container services of the Railways and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the corrective steps taken/being taken by the Railways in this regard?
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS (SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU)
(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 415 BY SHRI JOSE K. MANI AND DR. HEENA VIJAY KUMAR GAVIT TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 22.12.2014 REGARDING CONGESTION SURCHARGE ON RAIL TRAFFIC
(a): Yes, Madam. Port Congestion Surcharge of 10% on Base freight rates is being levied on all goods traffic including containers originating from ports, from 24.11.2014.
(b): Yes, Madam. There have been representation from Container operators regarding congestion surcharge but Power & Steel industry should not be affected as generally their products do not move in containers.
(c): Congestion surcharge on port is dependent on congestion in Railway system serving in ports.