(a) whether rail freight of coal is as much as 155% higher
of the basic price of coal but freight charges for cement
is very low;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether rationalisation of freight charges is being
considered;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI O. RAJAGOPAL)
(a) & (b) The freight rates for a commodity vary with
distance of transportation. At an estimated average lead of
656 kms. for the year 2002-03, the freight rates for coal
and cement are Rs.508.80 per tonne and Rs.548.00 per tonne
respectively.
(c) to (e) Rationalisation of the freight structure has been introduced in the Railway Budget 2002-03.