Palakkad Railway Division Achieves Record Freight Growth in 2024–25
The Palakkad Railway Division has achieved a significant milestone in operational efficiency and freight movement for the fiscal year 2024–25, recording an impressive 36.5% increase in freight revenue, surpassing its targets for both tonnage and revenue.
Freight Revenue: The division’s freight income surged from ₹427.64 crore last year to ₹583.37 crore, reflecting a notable 36.5% growth.
Freight Volume: Palakkad managed 6.594 million tonnes of freight, surpassing its annual target of 6.560 million tonnes. This marks an increase from 5.90 million tonnes in 2023–24, indicating a consistent and robust growth in cargo movement.
Total Gross Earnings: By the end of March 2025, the division’s gross earnings reached ₹592.42 crore.
What Drove the Growth?
Coal and Pet Coke: These commodities, crucial for power plants in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, were the backbone of the division’s freight operations.
Fertilizers: Timely supply to farmers across Kerala and Tamil Nadu supported the region’s agricultural sector.
Cement and Ballast: Vital for the construction industry, these materials saw increased movement.
Petroleum Products: The supply of petroleum, oil, and lubricants catered to the region’s energy and transportation needs.
Importance and Recognition
Palakkad’s performance is especially impressive considering Kerala’s position as a consumer state, where most freight is inbound rather than outbound. Despite this, the division not only achieved but surpassed its targets, underscoring the vital role that railways play in meeting the state’s industrial and consumer needs. The division’s operational excellence has propelled it to the top rank in India for 2024, a remarkable improvement from its 54th position in 2023. This ranking reflects its performance in areas such as revenue generation, expenditure control, punctuality, freight management, and capacity expansion.
The Palakkad Railway Division’s exceptional performance in 2024–25 highlights its increasing significance as a logistics hub in Southern India. Through the efficient transportation of vital commodities for power, agriculture, construction, and energy, the division not only supports Kerala’s economy but also establishes a national benchmark for operational excellence.
Citations:
1.https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/railways/keralas-rail-freight-movement-sees-significant-growth-in-thiruvananthapuram-and-palakkad-divisions/121137417
