South Western Railway Fuels Freight Growth with Strategic Initiatives

South Western Railway is stepping up its freight operations by tapping into burgeoning markets in consumable goods, the automotive industry, and upcoming electronics manufacturing hubs around Bengaluru and Mysore. General Manager Mukul Saran Mathur announced new infrastructures like loading stations for Toyota cars and a goods shed for automobiles has attracted interest from manufacturers.

Speaking exclusively to PTI, Mathur emphasized the zone's potential for freight services, citing not just traditional resources like iron ore, but also new sectors presenting growth opportunities. Although past infrastructure development lagged due to fast market growth, new initiatives aim to bridge this gap, he added.

Mathur stressed the importance of improved connectivity and infrastructure as keys to capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Partnerships with companies like Amazon highlight SWR's initiatives to enhance parcel services by replacing surplus Bogie Covered Wagons with parcel vans, increasing efficiency and demand.

(With inputs from agencies.)