Palakkad Railway Division sees 36.5% surge in freight revenue

The freight revenue of the Palakkad Railway Division witnessed 36.5% increase in 2024-25. The freight loading too saw a tremendous surge in the current fiscal, reinforcing the division’s critical role in transporting essential goods across north Kerala, Dakshina Kannada and Tamil Nadu.

Until March 18 in the current fiscal, the division generated ₹583.37 crore in revenue from handling 6.41 million tonnes of freight. In the last fiscal, Palakkad division’s freight earnings were ₹427.64 crore from 5.90 million tonnes.

“The growth has been phenomenal, the highest in recent years. And with nearly two weeks left in March, the final tally is still being counted,” said A.K. Chaturvedi, Divisional Railway Manager, Palakkad.

“The Palakkad division continues to be a lifeline for industries, agriculture and infrastructure development in north Kerala, Dakshina Kannada and Tamil Nadu by ensuring the smooth and timely movement of key goods,” said Mr. Chaturvedi.

Ullal station

He said the Ullal station provided dedicated restrooms with proper toilet facilities for loading and unloading workers as part of the division’s continued efforts to improve the working conditions for labourers.

Coal and fertilizers collectively accounted for 95% of the total freight transportation, marking their dominance in the division’s cargo mix. The division started a new freight consignment of laterite stones from Ullal, generating ₹ 37.5 lakh per rake. “Laterite is a new commodity adding a fresh revenue stream for the Palakkad division,” said Mr. Chaturvedi.

Railway officials said that the increase in freight movement driven by commodities such as coal, fertilizers, cement and petroleum products supported the regional economy, driving growth in industries, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Mr. Chaturvedi underscored Palakkad division’s commitment to providing cost-effective, efficient and environmentally sustainable freight transportation. He said the railway played a vital role in supporting industrial growth, agriculture and infrastructure development across the southern States by providing reliable and timely services.