Rajya Sabha
In order to rationalize/streamline the system, free time for loading/unloading of wagons, rates of demurrage, wharfage & punitive charges and trainload classification of coal have been revised. However, keeping in view the representation from various Rail Users, following relaxations have been permitted:
Free time for mechanized unloading of open wagon rake has been increased to 7 hours w.e.f. 1.1.2006.
Rate of demurrage charge has been reduced w.e.f. 1.1.2006, as under:
| Detention in excess of permissible free time | Rate per 8-wheeled Broad Gauge (BG) wagon per hour, or part of an hour | |
| Prior to 1.1.2006 | w.e.f. 1.1.2006 | |
| First 24 hours | Rs. 100/- |
Rs. 75/- |
| Next 24 hours | Rs. 200/- | |
| Beyond 48 hours | Rs. 300/- | |
Rates of punitive charge have been reduced w.e.f. 23.12.2005. Now the punitive charge will be levied at 2 times of the freight rates applicable to that commodity if the aggregate payload in a rake does not exceed the combined permissible carrying capacity of the rake. In case the aggregate payload in a rake exceeds the permissible carrying capacity of the rake, punitive charge will be levied at 3 times of the freight rates applicable to the highest class.
This information was given by Shri Naranbhai J. Rathwa, Minister of State for Railways in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
IKC/HK/CK