Overview
- Indian Railways replaced distance and weight slabs with Gross Tonne Kilometre billing at Rs 0.90 per tonne per kilometre for bulk cement.
- Railways said the flat rate applies to movements in special tank containers developed by Concor, which are being promoted for end‑to‑end bulk handling.
- The new Bulk Cement Terminal policy will add rail‑linked facilities via public‑private partnerships, with scope to redevelop underused goods sheds as Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals in consultation with manufacturers.
- The tank containers are specified at 20 ft × 8 ft × 8.5 ft with a 26‑tonne payload, 31‑tonne gross weight, and 25–30 minute loading and unloading cycles.
- Officials say the reforms target lower logistics costs, reduced road congestion and emissions, and greater rail share; railways carried 87 mt of cement in 2024–25, including 7 mt in bulk, with industry calling the shift timely for short leads.