Palakkad Railway Division's freight revenue rises 36.5%

The Palakkad Railway Division has reported a significant increase in freight revenue for the fiscal year 2024-25. The revenue rose by 36.5%, reaching ₹583.37 crore from the transportation of 6.41 million tonnes of goods. This is a rise from the previous year's earnings of ₹427.64 crore from 5.90 million tonnes. A.K. Chaturvedi, the Divisional Railway Manager, highlighted that this growth is the highest in recent years. He noted that the division plays an essential role in transporting vital goods across northern Kerala, Dakshina Kannada, and Tamil Nadu. With almost two weeks left in March, officials are still counting the final figures. Mr. Chaturvedi also mentioned improvements at Ullal station, including new restroom facilities for loading and unloading workers. Coal and fertilizers make up 95% of the transported freight, showing their importance in the division's operations. The division has also started shipping laterite stones from Ullal, which is adding a new revenue source. The rise in freight movement, especially of coal, fertilizers, cement, and petroleum products, is supporting the local economy. Chaturvedi emphasized the railway's commitment to providing efficient and sustainable transportation, which is crucial for industrial growth, agriculture, and infrastructure development in the southern states.