Coronavirus outbreak: Railways freight earnings dip 8.76% in March

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and the resultant drop in economic activity has dragged down Indian Railways’s freight earnings by 8.76 per cent so far in March, compared to the corresponding period last year. The losses are likely to increase during the 21-day lockdown announced in the country.

The decline in March has led to a 0.1 per cent reduction in annual earnings till March 25 to Rs 1,21,873.61 crore, compared to a year ago. With six days left in the month, freight loading is expected to decline further because of the lockdown. In financial year 2018-19 (FY19), there was