In view of the current economic situation affecting industries and their growth, Indian Railways has suspended busy season surcharge of 15 percent on all freight traffic in the hope that it will help its business via boost in volumes.

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"The decision has been taken after discussions with industry stakeholders and the measures are tailor-made as per their needs," Member Traffic Purnendu S. Mishra said.

Railways has imposed a 15 percent busy season surcharge on all freight traffic from October 1-June 30. Coal, Coke and container traffic are already exempt under this category.

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Railways has also waived off 5 percent supplementary charge applicable on mini and two point rakes to boost smaller cargo sizes and thereby, help industries like cement, steel, food grains and fertilizers. A discount of 25 percent has also been given on movement of empty containers and flat wagons.

"It is expected to enhance price-competitiveness of railway vis-a-vis other modes of transport and expand freight basket by capturing new traffic," Railways said.

Pre-weighing system for weighment of goods traffic has also been permitted in private sidings as this is expected to bring down the time for weighment and loading.

In FY19, Railways carried freight of 1223.3 million tn, contributing to earnings of Rs 1.25 lakh crore for Railways during 2018-19. So far, it has carried freight amounting to 500 million tn in the current financial year.