Adds that it is necessary from the sustainability perspective and also from national commitments to reduce emission levels

The Indian Railways has drawn up a National Rail Plan seeking to create a “future-ready” railway system capable of meeting the passenger demand and increase the modal share of railways in freight to 40-45 percent from the current 26-27 percent.

“The target of 40-45 percent modal share for railways is necessary from the perspective of sustainability and also from the national commitments made globally for reducing emission levels,” stated the Economic Survey.

During FY21, the Indian Railways carried 1.23 billion tonnes of freight and 1.25 billion passengers. Despite the pandemic, revenue earning freight loading (excluding loading by Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) was 1,230.9 million tonnes in 2020-21 as compared to 1,208.4 million tonnes during 2019-20).