Railway is a cheaper option for freight transportation but there are other issues with it: MSMEs

Ratnagiri, June 2 (KNN) The Konkan Railways asked the MSMEs to use its freight service for transportation of goods in the Southern-West states of the country. However, the MSMEs are of the view that despite being a cheaper option, there are numerous other challenges while using Railways for transportation.

Konkan Railway observed the “Rail Hamsafar Saptaah” from 26th May to 1st June 2016 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra during which it held with the industry to woo them for using Railways for freight transportation.

The Konkan Railway advised the industries about the various reforms and policy initiatives on the freight traffic side and requested them to make use of Konkan Railway Route for Freight Transportation, which is more convenient and economical.

Ajay Mehta, General Secretary, Lote Parshuram Industries Association, Ratnagiri told KNN, “For short distances we prefer to transport our goods by roads only. When we have to send it further to Bhiwandi or Nawasiva, for which the distance is around 200 km from our city, we can use train but the train timings are major issues.”

“Train timings are not convenient and suitable. Most of the times few companies together do not have entire container load.  Meanwhile, the transport company gathers all the material and takes it to the appropriate destination,” he added.

“Railways is definitely an economical option but its schedule is one problem. I have to deliver my goods on time to my customer. Convenience is main problem if we send the good through the railways. Railway stations are not nearby. We have to see the logistics cost up to the railway stations too,” Mehta said. (KNN Bureau)