The Hindu Business Line : Eastern Industrial Corridor proposed

New Delhi, July 3 The Rail Budget on Friday proposed an Eastern Industrial Corridor alongside the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor. In her speech, the Railway Minister, Ms Mamata Banerjee, said that the proposed industrial corridor in the East would be similar to the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor.

“I propose to put Railways land banks to productive use. This will also avoid increase in cost and will help in early start of industrial projects. In order to catalyse industrial development in this corridor, I have included investments in rolling stock production and assembly facilities and coach rehabilitation at Dankuni, Majerhat and Naopara, in this region,” the Minister said.

She said these will lay the foundation for a rail-based industrial cluster in the Eastern Industrial Corridor, drawing upon inherent advantages of proximity to coal and ore mines, large strength of labour force, and India’s largest metal works market.

Railway officials said that in all, the rolling stock production and assembly facilities in the three locations would entail an investment of Rs 380-400 crore. While Dankuni would have diesel components and underframe bogie facilities, Naopara location would focus on mid-life repair of coaches, and Majerhat on wagon components.

On fast track

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) welcomed the move to put the dedicated freight corridors projects on fast track so that the freight cost and time is saved adding to the competitiveness of the products meant for exports or imports, and reducing the delivery schedules.

FIEO also elaborated that initiatives such as introduction of temperature controlled perishable cargo terminal and increasing targets for carriage of freights, would facilitate trade logistics.

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