In order to transport relief materials to the flood affected areas in Assam and Bihar, the Railway Board has issued some guidelines.
The guidelines have been issued to the general managers of all Indian Railways including Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), on Saturday by the Shilpi Bishnoy, director, traffic commercial (rates), Railway Board.
“Indian Railway has decided to permit inter-state and intra-state free transport for aid and relief material by Goods trains/Parcel Van, including in less than standard composition rakes, to Bihar & Assam States in wake of floods,” Bishnoy stated.
As per the guidelines, “no freight is to be charged for transportation of relief material to Bihar and Assam States i.e. to all stations, as of now”.
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All government organizations across the country can book relief materials for free of cost to Bihar and Assam.
Other organizations, as deemed fit by divisional railway managers (DRMs), may also avail of this provision.
However, it may be ensured that consignor/consignee is the district magistrate or deputy commissioner in whose jurisdiction the dispatching or receiving station is situated.
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“All concerned maybe advised that at the time of preparing Forwarding Note in TMS application, the Rate Type column shall be chosen as F-FREE TRAFFIC with a remark in as relief material for Bihar & Assam States,” Bishnoi informed the GMs.
“All such movement must be done with DRM’s approval. In addition, Zonal Railways must ensure detailed account of movement of relief material along with mutually calculated freight charges for future use, if any,” Bishnoi stated.
Since the transportation of relief material shall be undertaken free of charge, therefore, no ancillary charges like demurrage/wharfage or other charges are to be levied on the same.
These guidelines shall remain effective till August 19, 2019 or till further orders, whichever is earlier, Bishnoi stated further.
The guidelines have been prepared with the approval of the Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways.