Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Railways Reduces Bulk Cement Freight Charges
The Indian Railways has changed how it charges for transporting cement.
Now, they charge based on how much cement and how far it goes, making it cheaper for people to buy cement.
They're also using special containers to make transportation cleaner and easier.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced reforms to reduce cement transportation costs
New rates are based on actual tonnage, calculated as Gross Tonne Kilometre (GTKM)
Flat rate of Rs 0.90 per tonne per kilometre introduced for actual distance covered
Tank containers promoted for efficient, pollution-free bulk cement transportation
Indian Railways to develop bulk cement terminals for smoother handling and distribution
- Who
- Indian Railways, led by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
- What
- Announced reforms in cement transportation rates and policies
- When
- Tuesday (exact date not specified)
- Where
- India
- Why
- To reduce costs for consumers and promote efficient, environmentally friendly transportation
Cement Industry
Railway Officials
Policy Timeliness
Cement Industry
The policy appears timely as it will ensure faster movement of cement, especially for distances under 300 km where bagged movement is not viable.
Railway Officials
The policy is launched keeping the middle class in mind to help them get construction material at a reduced price.
- Previous rate structure
- Based on distance and weight slabs
- New rate structure
- Flat rate of Rs 0.90 per tonne per kilometre
- Tank container dimensions
- 20 ft × 8 ft × 8.5 ft
- Tank container payload capacity
- 26 tonnes
- Expected benefits
- Reduced transportation costs, smaller carbon footprint, less road congestion
Sources
Railways reduces bulk cement freight charges
Flat freight, new terminals: Railways aims to boost bulk cement transport
Railways launches new policy to boost bulk cement transport; sets freight rate at Rs 0.90 per tonne/km
Railways Introduces Uniform 90-Paise GTKM Rate To Cut Cement Transportation Costs And Boost Affordable Housing: Vaishnaw
