In New Delhi, about 300 freight trains are lying idle because they have no cargo to carry, in spite of 20% growth in freight earnings in the first five months of the fiscal year. July to September is usually the quiet period, but only about 150 trains are usually parked during this season.
The growth rate of cargo volume has been falling for items such as cement, pig iron, steel and petroleum products which are usually moved by rail freight. Cargo volumes are increasing year on year, but the rate of growth is slowing.