Jhansi: In a major boost to Bundelkhand’s industrial development, Barua Sagar railway station in Jhansi district is set to dispatch its first-ever iron ore freight rake, marking the beginning of rail-based iron ore transportation from the region. The inaugural rake, destined for Tornagallu in Karnataka, will also be the first such movement in the history of the North Central Railway (NCR). Railway officials said loading has been ordered and the rake is expected to depart shortly.Senior divisional commercial manager (freight) Neeraj Bhatnagar said the project is among the biggest freight bookings secured under NCR’s business development initiatives and is expected to generate nearly Rs 100 crore in additional annual revenue. Over the next 35 years, the long-term transportation arrangement is projected to earn the Railways around Rs 3,500 crore.Under the agreement, iron ore will be transported regularly from Barua Sagar, with an estimated 10 to 12 freight rakes operating every month. Each rake will carry around 4,000 tonnes of iron ore over a distance of 1,716 km. Officials said the initiative would strengthen railway freight operations while helping establish Bundelkhand as an emerging industrial hub.The iron ore will be sourced from Naugaon village in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, about 12 km from Barua Sagar, and transported to JSW Steel plants in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh. “The business development efforts of NCR have helped secure JSW Steel’s transportation business for the next 35 years,” Bhatnagar said.According to officials, shifting iron ore transportation from road to rail will reduce the movement of heavy vehicles on highways, improve the speed and safety of cargo transportation, lower logistics costs and provide industries with a more efficient supply chain. The project is also expected to strengthen logistical connectivity and establish Barua Sagar as one of NCR’s key freight-loading centres.Besides boosting railway revenue, the initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities and stimulate local trade and economic activity. Officials said efforts are underway to encourage more industries to shift freight transportation to rail under NCR’s business development campaign, thereby expanding the region’s freight base.“This new beginning will give fresh momentum to industrial development in Bundelkhand and strengthen the railway freight business. It will encourage local trade and industry, create employment opportunities and accelerate economic activity in the region,” Bhatnagar said.Officials described the launch of rail-based iron ore transportation from Barua Sagar as a landmark step towards strengthening Bundelkhand’s industrial infrastructure and integrating the region more closely with major industrial centres across the country.
