Maligaon, July 14 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway has set up has set up Business Development Units (BDU) at all the five Divisions i.e. Katihar, Alipurduar, Rangiya, Lumding and Tinsukia and at Zonal Head Quarter level, as per the instructions issued by Railway Board.
According to a statement from NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Subhanan Chanda, the BDUs set up in NFR are holding discussions with traders/merchants/local entrepreneurs/logistic suppliers to have a better understanding of their needs so that the Railways can provide required facilities to keep the local economy moving.
This has become necessary because of the changing business scenario in the country in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the release stated.
At the Zonal Head Quarter level, the unit consists of senior officials from operating, commercial, finance and mechanical departments. At the divisional level also similar BDUs have been made operational, it said.
As per the release, these BDUs will have frequent interaction with trade and industry players within their respective areas to find new traffic for movement by train. Proposal received from trade bodies or businessman will be promptly analysed, developed and necessary assistance will be provided, if required.
Among other things, through formation of these BDUs, the national transporter is also targeting to increase its share in transportation of miscellaneous non-bulk goods which are traditionally moved by the road sector. Various incentive schemes are also being offered for small volume transportation of goods for short distances and several new locations/stations have already been opened for freight booking and loading/unloading for the benefit of small traders in NFR areas, the release said.
Such interaction with BDUs will provide the traders with information with regard to loading/unloading and transportation facilities being offered by Indian Railways, while helping the Railways to achieve the target of doubling its freight volume by 2024, it said.
