OREANDA-NEWS. March 29, 2012. Projected freight loading of Indian Railways by the terminal year of 12th Plan i.e. 2016-17 is 1405 million tonnes, out of which coal loading is projected to be at a level of 686 million tonnes and Iron ore loading will be at a level of 178 million tonnes.  Necessary throughput enhancement works in key growth areas have been sanctioned and are ongoing.  The induction of Rolling stock including locomotives on Indian Railways is being progressively increased for higher levels.  Along with this, operating innovations, like long haul running, have been introduced for mitigating capacity constraints.

Demand for movement of coal has been consistently increasing in the above period.  However, demand for Iron Ore fell sharply during the year 2010-11 due to continuing ban on export of Iron Ore in Karnataka and Bellary district for all ore and cumbersome process of obtaining clearance from State Government of Odisha.