New Delhi, Jun 1 (IANS): The Indian Railways on Tuesday said that despite the Covid challenges, the national transporter made highest-ever loading in the month of May this year.

A Railway Ministry spokesperson said that in May 2021, railways loaded 114.8 MT, which is 9.7 per cent more than May 2019 (104.6 MT).

He said that the important items transported during May 2021 includes 54.52 million tonnes of coal, 15.12 million tonnes of iron ore, 5.61 million tonnes of foodgrains, 3.68 million tonnes of fertilisers, 3.18 million tonnes of mineral oil, 5.36 million tonnes of cement, and 4.2 million tonnes of clinker.

The national transporter, in May 2021, earned Rs 11,604.94 crore from freight loading.

He also stated that the wagon turn around time has seen an improvement of 26 per cent in this month. "In May, 2021, wagon turn around time was registered at 4.81 days as compared to 6.46 in May 2019," he said, citing the speed of freight trains being enhanced in the existing network. "Freight speed improvement leads saving of costs for all stake holders. Freight speed has doubled over last 18 months," he said.

He also pointed out that few zones (around four zones) have registered average speed of freight trains even above 50 kmph.

"Due to geographical conditions, certain sections offer good speeds to freight trains. An average speed of 45.6 kmph has been registered in May 2021 for freight trains which is 26 per cent more as compared to 36.19 Kmph for the same period," he added.