While writing his ACR, my DRM rang up and asked "Has any target been fixed for originating freight earnings of this division?" When I replied in the
negative, he was surprised and asked me regarding who should monitor this figure. I had to tell him flatly that it is the DRM who has to monitor the figure as
targets are set only in MT and not in Rupees. It is unfortunate that no branch officer really monitors Rs.6500 crores of originating freight earnings. Sr.DCM
only monitors the earnings from coaching traffic. We only report the figures but do not really have the responsibility of monitoring it. It is thus no wonder
that the yield per tonne of SECR has come down by 8 rupees per tonne. That is the problem with our focus when the financial bottom lines are not given priority
over operational performance.
Even in coal loading for thermal power plants, the Operating Department gives priority for dispatch to local power plants of CSEB at Korba (a lead of 20-30 km), NTPC/Sipat (near Bilaspur, which has its own MGR) and MPEB, Birsingpur in Bilaspur division. It makes good sense as far as wagon turnaround is concerned as the wagons remain within the system and that there will be no shortage of empties. But it is the thermal power plants of Gujarat and Rajasthan which suffer due to shortage of coal. If Railways is really concerned even about power generation then the priority should be given to those plants as it takes 3-4 days to replenish their coal stock while coal can be rushed within a short notice to local power plants. It makes good financial sense too as longer leads increase our yield per tonne and increase our earnings. As a consequence of the existing policy, those thermal power plants longer wait for coal from Railways but instead import coal as it makes better sense for them.
When will be there a change of focus?
Ananth
Sr.DFM/BSP
Even in coal loading for thermal power plants, the Operating Department gives priority for dispatch to local power plants of CSEB at Korba (a lead of 20-30 km), NTPC/Sipat (near Bilaspur, which has its own MGR) and MPEB, Birsingpur in Bilaspur division. It makes good sense as far as wagon turnaround is concerned as the wagons remain within the system and that there will be no shortage of empties. But it is the thermal power plants of Gujarat and Rajasthan which suffer due to shortage of coal. If Railways is really concerned even about power generation then the priority should be given to those plants as it takes 3-4 days to replenish their coal stock while coal can be rushed within a short notice to local power plants. It makes good financial sense too as longer leads increase our yield per tonne and increase our earnings. As a consequence of the existing policy, those thermal power plants longer wait for coal from Railways but instead import coal as it makes better sense for them.
When will be there a change of focus?
Ananth
Sr.DFM/BSP
