THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
South Western Railway (SWR) has boosted its freight performance in the first quarter of the fiscal year with support from industries and other sector from Karnataka and Goa region.
Chairing the first Freight Customers' Meet for FY 2025-26 at Rail Soudha, Hubballi SWR General Manager Mukul Saran Mathur gave details to key freight customers from various industries from Karnataka, Goa and other areas. Opportunities, challenges, and growth in rail-based logistics were discussed during the meeting.
“The zone has loaded an average of 44 rakes per day till June 2025. Notably, major freight partner JSW Steel recorded a significant increase in freight movement, with an average of 241 rakes and a total freight volume of 0.96 million tonnes in the first quarter, as compared to 160 rakes and 0.64 million tonnes in the same period last fiscal,” Mathur said.
He reaffirmed SWR’s commitment to fostering market-friendly relations and assured that operational bottlenecks in freight loading are being addressed. He appreciated the customers' contributions and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration for mutual growth.
“SWR will continue striving towards improving service standards, strengthening partnerships, and contributing to the overall growth of rail logistics,” said Mathur.
Issues like loading planning, extending operational support, and overcoming constraints, particularly in light of state-imposed restrictions on iron ore loading were discussed.
JSW Steel Vice President Sushil Noval, Nagendra Prasad from TVS Motors company; and representatives from Toyota Kirloskar, Nestlé and from sectors such as steel, iron ore, automobile, cement, fertiliser, container, sugar, rice, and petroleum products were present.
SWR Addl GM K S Jain, Principal Chief Operations Manager Prashant Kumar, Principal Chief Commercial Manager (PCCM) S P Shastri were among the officials also present.
