The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Secretary General, Praveen Khandelwal, has written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, advocating for comprehensive reforms in rail freight and parcel services. Khandelwal emphasized the need for increased transparency, efficiency, and trade-friendliness in these services, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to utilize railways for parcel movement. He proposed measures such as dedicated freight facilitation centers, real-time consignment tracking, digital freight booking, rationalized freight rates, enhanced parcel van capacity, and modern loading infrastructure.
Additionally, Khandelwal called for strengthening last-mile connectivity, establishing effective grievance redressal mechanisms, and fostering regular dialogue between railway authorities and trade organizations. He highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of shifting goods transportation from roads to railways, citing reduced fuel consumption, lower logistics costs, decreased pollution, and a greener India. Stressing on the efficiency and eco-friendliness of railway transport, he expressed optimism that enhancing railway freight services would attract millions of traders and MSMEs to opt for rail transportation.
Acknowledging the significant modernization efforts in Indian Railways, including infrastructure improvements, electrification, dedicated freight corridors, technological advancements, and station redevelopment, Khandelwal commended the transformative initiatives undertaken in recent years. He welcomed PM Modi’s call to reduce reliance on road transport and promote railway usage for goods and parcels, endorsing the seven-point resolve proposed by the Prime Minister to bolster the country’s economic standing. Khandelwal sought a meeting with the railway minister to discuss practical strategies and policy reforms for the enhancement of freight services.
