In a groundbreaking move, the Rail Coach Factory (RCF), located in Kapurthala, a prestigious production unit of the Indian Railways, is all set to introduce its most ambitious cargo liner concept – a double-decker coach designed to revolutionise cargo transportation. Scheduled for rollout next month, this innovative coach will feature an upper deck equipped with seating space for passengers, while the lower deck will be dedicated to transporting goods.
RCF Kapurthala Will Soon Launch The Double-Decker Rail Coach
The introduction of the cargo liner concept is anticipated to significantly enhance time-bound cargo movement. It will prove to be a vital source of revenue for the Indian Railways. The upcoming double-decker coach will mark a significant milestone as the first of its kind in India. It is designed to accommodate both passengers and cargo in the same coach. As per the reports by The Tribune, Ashesh Agrawal, the General Manager of the Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, expressed his enthusiasm about the impending development.
He stated that the first cargo liner concept is likely to be unveiled in the coming month. Following completion, the double-decker coach will undergo a trial run supervised by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). It is a research and development organisation operating under the Ministry of Railways.
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This New Coach Will Revolutionise The Indian Railways
This pioneering initiative is poised to open up new avenues for the Indian Railways to cater to FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) and miscellaneous goods. Consequently, it will also boost their revenue streams and enhance freight movement. Industry insiders have noted a shift in freight traffic patterns from bulk transportation to smaller quantities, especially in the movement of white goods, particularly from the FMCG sector. This change has led to an increased demand for efficient, time-bound cargo transportation solutions.
Over the past couple of years, the Railway Ministry has taken significant steps to bolster freight movement. The focus on freight movement has been evident from the impressive growth in freight revenue during the financial year 2022-23. It reached a remarkable ₹1.62 lakh crore, which is a substantial 15 percent increase compared to the previous year.
With these ventures, the Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala is poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping and advancing cargo transportation in India.
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