Railway Board suggests penalties and infrastructure improvement to lower rake congestion

The Railway Board has recommended levying a penal demurrage charge in a bid to check rake congestion due to delays at coal handling terminals and power houses. This charge is levied for excess detention of a wagon due to delays in loading or unloading. It is to be paid by the entity responsible for the interruption.

For instance, where the detention of an individual wagon or van has resulted in the entire railway rake being held back, the penal demurrage will be charged on the entire rake, said the board.