Member
Mechanical
D.O.No.2003/M(N)/204/3 January 23, 2003
My
dear GMs/OSDs/DG(RDSO)/DG(RSC)
Sub: Freight Stock Policy
for IR
As you are aware that as per X Plan projections we have to gear up for carrying 100 MT more by 2006-07 with a wagon holding of around 30,000 FWUs less than now. Further, with growing competition from road transport, airlines and pipelines, we also have to adopt a strategy to enable growth in our market share in freight transportation.
2. Some of the X Plan policy initiatives for freight, inter alia, include reduction in transit time, improvement in terminal facilities and introduction of special type of freight stock for specific cargo and reduction in cost of inputs. Nevertheless, it is imperative that we have a futuristic and rational freight stock policy consistent with our objectives, in order to assist us in timely planning and appropriate resource allocation to gear up the infrastructure in terms of maintenance facilities and availability of trained manpower and materials.
3. In the above context, I am enclosing two very thought-provoking articles titled “Don’t Smash the Biscuits” and the “Cost of being profitable” published in Rail Investment `2001 and Railway Gazette International August ‘2002. Some of the issues talked about in these two articles such as customised wagon, improvement in payload tare ratio, increase in axle load, etc. are extremely relevant for our future SURVIVAL.
4. In view of above, you are requested to kindly go through the enclosed articles and send your suggestions regarding types of new wagon designs from the customer point of view as well as suggestions for improving the existing designs with respect of productivity and cost effective operations.
5. It is proposed to organise an international seminar on “The future of IR’s Freight Cars” in the near future, in which at least one paper from your zone may be presented. The paper can have inputs from Commercial, Finance, Operating and Mechanical officers/staff.
Yours sincerely,
(S.
Dhasarathy)