Rate Instruction No 1 of 2002

  Government of India
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board

The General  Managers (Comml)
All Indian Railways

Sub:  Time-limit for first application and appeal for waiver/refund of demurrage/wharfage charges.

Board, vide their letter No.TC-I/88/201/6 dated 30.6.1988 had laid down a time limit of 60 (sixty) days from the date of delivery of goods for preferring an appeal for waiver/refund of warfage charges. However, no time limit for refund of demurrage charge has been specifically prescribed. Certain Zonal Railways have asked for clarification in this regard.

2.       The matter has been reviewed and it has been decided that:

(i)                   The time limit for submission of first application for waiver/refund of demurrage/wharfage shall be sixty (60) days from the date upto which these charges had accrued at consignor/consignee’s end;
 

(ii)                 The time limit for preferring appeal against the decision of lower authority for enhanced waiver/refund of demurrage/wharfage charges shall be sixty(60) days from the date of order of lower authority against which appeal is made; and
 

(iii)                The other conditions viz compulsory deposit of wharfage charge as per the decision of the lower authority before preferring an appeal for enhanced waiver/refund of wharfage charge and procedure for refund of wharfage waived on such appeal as laid down in paras 2 & 3 of Board's letter No.TC-I/201/72/27 dated 28.4.1986 shall continue, as hitherto.
 

1.            For all past cases of demurrage refund, first application as well as appeal against the decision of lower authority received upto 31.1.2002 shall be entertained in relaxation of the time limit laid down in para 2(i) and (ii) above.  

4.            These instructions are issued in concurrence with the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways and these will come into force with effect from 15.2.2002.

5.            Instructions may please be issued to all concerned immediately.

(K.K.Sharma) 
Director, Traffic Comml. (Rates)
Railway Board

Rate Instruction No 2 of 2002

  Government of India
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board

The General  Managers (Comml)
All Indian Railways
The General Manager (Optg.),
All Indian Railways

Sub:  Exemption from payment of Wagon Registration Fee –
  Modification of (i) Rule 201(6) of Goods Tariff No.41
    Pt.I Volume I and (ii) Para 1411 (a) of Indian Railway
                         Code for Traffic (Commercial ) Department, Revised Edition - 1993.

            The need for furnishing of Wagon Registration Fee by Platinum Card holders and Gold card holders (as defined in Board’s Office D.O. letter No.97/TC(M&S)/26/1 dated 1.4.1999) (copy enclosed for ready reference) has been examined by the Board.  It has been decided that Platinum and Gold card holders who are offering traffic from their sidings should be exempted from the requirement of payment of Registration Fee for wagons/rakes indented by them.  Accordingly, Rule 201 (6) contained in Chapter II of Goods Tariff No.41 Pt.I Volume I is hereby amended by inclusion of Clause (c) to Rule 201(6) as under:-
            “(c) Traffic in any commodity offered by Platinum card holder and Gold card holder from their siding.” 

2.                   In view of  above decision, the Ministry of Railways have decided to revise Para No.1411 (a) in Chapter XIV of the Indian Railway Code for Traffic (Comml.) Department, Revised Edition -1993.  An  Advance Correction Slip No.10 to this Code is enclosed for information and necessary action.  A formal correction slip will be issued by the Board’s Accounts Directorate shortly.  

3.                   This issues in consultation with the Finance Directorate in the Ministry of Railways.

(K.K.Sharma) 
Director, Traffic Comml. (Rates)
Railway Board

Rate Instruction No. 05 of 2002

             Sanction of the Central Government is hereby accorded to the following:

 i)    Classification and charging of Timber NOC, Timber Waste, Firewood, Wood Pieces for manufacture of Rayon Grade Pulp/Paper Grade Pulp and Casurina Wood Pieces at Class 140 wagonload and Class 130 trainload.

ii)     Deletion of Special Condition ‘S/10’ and Packing Condition ‘P/36’ attached with commodity ‘Firewood’.  Firewood will beincluded under the mainhead Timber, NOC.

iii)    Partial Amendment of Special Condition ‘S/37’ by deleting the provision for declaration in regard to the end use of Timber waste, on the Forwarding Note by the consignor to the effect that the commodity is meant for manufacture of paper, straw board, hard board or paper grade pulp.

iv)    Timber Waste will include “Casurina Wood Pieces, Wood Pieces intended for use as raw materials for the manufacture of Rayon Grade Pulp/Paper Grade Pulp” also.

v)     Except in regard to Timber Waste, which will continue to be charged at Minimum Weight Condition of 350Qtls. when loaded in BCX/BOX/ BCN/ BCNA wagons upto 30.4.2002, as per Board’s telemax message of even number dated 6.11.2001(Rate Instruction No.98 of 2001), the existing weight condition of all other types of timber NOC, wood pieces etc. will remain unchanged.  As already advised, the Zonal Railways having originating traffic in Timber Waste may please conduct test weighment in sufficient number of wagons and furnish their reports early for enabling the fixation of MWC on a realistic basis.

2.    This instruction will take effect from 15.2.2002.
       This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate in the Ministry of Railways.
3A.  A draft correction slip to the Goods Tariff No.43 Pt.I Vol.II and Goods Tariff No.41 Pt.I Vol.I is enclosed.
 2.   Issue necessary instructions to all concerned to implement changes as per draft correction slip.

Rate Instruction No 9 of 2002

  Government of India
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board

The General  Managers (Comml)
General Manager (Optg.)
N.F. Railway,
Maligaon,Guwahati.

Sub:  Movement of timber outside North Eastern States

          by rail – Station-wise loading of railway wagons.

                       Ref:  Board’s instructions of even  number dated
                      29.6.2001, 27.8.2001and 30.8.2001.

(K.K.Sharma)
Director, Traffic Comml. (Rates)
Railway Board

Rate Instruction No. 10  of 2002

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board

ISSUED ON  18 .1.2002

The General Managers(Comml.)

NO.TCR/1618/96/3(.)  REFER BOARD’S TELEMAX OF EVEN NUMBER DATED 9.1.2001 (RATE INSTRUCTIONNO.1 OF 2001) ALLOWING CONCESSION OF 10% IN FREIGHT RATE WITH EFFECT FROM 1.1.2001 TO 31.12.2001 FOR CEMENT AND CHEMICAL MANURE DIVISION ‘A’, ‘B’ & ‘C’ WHEN LOADED IN BLOCK RAKES OF OPEN WAGONS PROVIDED SUCH WAGONS ARE COVERED BY TARPAULINS SUPPLIED BY THE CONSIGNORS AT THEIR OWN COST(.) BOARD HAVE DECIDED TO EXTEND THE CURRENCY OF THE CONCESSION FROM 1.1.2002 TO 31.12.2002 REPEAT FROM FIRST JANUARY TWO THOUSAND TWO TO THIRTY FIRST DECEMBER TWO THOUSAND TWO SUBJECT TO THE EXISTING CONDITIONS LAID DOWN IN BOARD’S WIRELESS OF EVEN NUMBER DATED 23.5.1997(.) RAILWAYS SHOULD SUBMIT A REPORT BY THE SECOND WEEK OF OCTOBER, 2002 INDICATING THE TRAFFIC TONNAGE, EARNINGS AND CLAIM IF ANY PREFERRED BY ANY CONSIGNOR/PARTY ALONGWITH THE DETAILS OF THE CLAIMS SETTLED ON THE LOADING OF THE ABOVE REFERRED COMMODITIES DURING 1.1.2002 TO 30.9.2002 FOR CONSIDERATION OF EXTENSION OF THIS SCHEME BEYOND 31.12.2002 (.)  THIS ISSUES WITH THE CONCURRENCE OF THE FINANCE DIRECTORATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS(.) ISSUE NECESSARY INSTRUCTION TO ALL CONCERNED IMMEDIATELY(.)  BESIDES THIS ADVISE CEMENT AND FERTILIZERS COMPANIES(.) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT(.)  RAILWAYS(.)

(K.K. Sharma)
Director, Traffic Comml (Rates)
Railway Board

Rate Instruction No. 11  of  2002

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board

The General Managers(Comml.)
All Indian Railways.
The OSDs
All Indian Railways.

                        Sub:-  Notification of reduced weight conditions for different commodities when loaded in different type of wagons.

            Keeping in view the lower loadability (i.e., less than the Carrying Capacity of wagons) of various commodities in different types of wagons, reduced weight condition has been incorporated in the Goods Tariff from time to time.  Lower loadability leads to under utilization of optimum capacity of the wagons in terms of tonnage as also affects railway’s earnings potential.  There could be chances that minimum weight condition fixed earlier undergoes changes because of change in density of the commodity, change in its characteristics or other relevant factors.  At present there is no system of regular review of such commodities to ascertain whether any perceptible change in loadability has occurred warranting a fresh look at the minimum weight condition.  Cases are referred to Board only when Audit brings out the higher loadability.

             Board desire that in all such cases where reduced weight condition have been notified, railway should monitor the loadability of particular commodity based on test weighments or booking particulars and send feedback to the Board on quarterly basis, so that re-fixation of minimum weight condition could be considered if required.  Please ensure that your report for the first quarter i.e. January to March, 2002 reaches Board’s office by the 15^th April, 2002 positively.

(K.K. Sharma)
Director, Traffic Comml (Rates)
Railway Board.  

Rate Instruction No.  12 of 2002

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board

The General Secretary
IRCA,
New Delhi.

                        Sub:-  Minimum weight condition of certain fertilizers loaded in BOX ‘N’ wagons.
Ref:-    CCI’s recommendation – Min. 5880B.

         Footnotes appearing at page No.63, 64,65,66,67 and 302 of IRCA Goods Tariff No.43 Pt.I Vol.II are as under:-

         “Reduced minimum weight condition of fertilizers when loaded in BOX ‘N’ wagons will be applicable when movement is in rakes load”.
          The matter has been reexamined in the light of recommendation of the CCI and the Central Government has decided to delete the words “subject to the condition that the movement would be in rake loads of BOX ‘N’ wagons”. 

            This issues in consultation with Finance Directorate in the Ministry of Railways.

            GS/IRCA is requested to issue necessary correction slip in the matter and acknowledge receipt.

(Shiv Dan Singh)
Director, Traffic Comml. (Rates)
Railway Board.

Rate Instruction No 13 of 2002

  Government of India
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board

The General  Managers (Comml)
All Indian Railways

      Sub:  Levy of shunting charges for moving empties 
from siding to line of exchange.

        As per extant instructions, vide Para 2512 of Indian Railway Commercial Manual Vol.II, if the Siding agreement provides for the shunting of the wagons/vehicles by the siding user beyond the point of interchange, it has to be ensured that Railway engine are used for such shunting only on the specific permission of Headquarter/Divisional Office and the additional charges due on this account are paid by Siding user. 

2.     However, in case of  Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) siding over Central Railway, Audit have reported vide Audit Para No.2.1.2 (vii)/97-98 included in C&AG's report No.9 of 1999 (Railways), that as per agreement the party was required to hand over empty rakes in one single hook on single line at the exchange yard but actually the Railway's shunting engine was used for collecting empties from different yards to avoid detention of empty wagons without preferring any bills for recovery of charges towards such shunting operation inside the siding premises of the MSEB. 

3.     In order to check recurrence of such incidents in future, instructions may please be issued to all concerned for strict compliance of Board's instructions as well as provisions contained in Railway's Codes, Manual and Acts etc. 

4.     Further, in cases where Railways do any additional work in the siding in the interest of Railways, which is otherwise the responsibility of siding user, then Railway before undertaking such activity(s) should get prior written confirmation of the siding owner to that effect and for payment of bills towards cost of such operation at the prescribed rate, which should also be realised promptly.

(Shiv Dan Singh)
Director Traffic Comml. (Rates)
Railway Board

Rate Instruction No 14 of 2002

  Government of India
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board

The General  Managers (Comml)
All Indian Railways

            Sub:  Authorisation of travel by Defence personnel 
 as per revised entitlement.

             Ministry of Defence, vide their letter No.1(26)/97/VII /D(Pay/Services) dated 29.2.2000 have revised travel entitlement of certain Defence personnel as under:- 

           (i)  Havildars and equivalent to travel by AC 3 Tier Sleeper  accommodation on duty and LTC. 

          (ii)  Lt. Colonel and equivalent in receipt of monthly basic pay of Rs.16,400/- and above to travel by Air conditioned first class while availing LTC. 

2.            Army Headquarters have further clarified vide their letter No.12647/Q MOVC dated 29.11.2001 that

           (i)   Havildars and equivalent are entitled to travel by AC-3 Tier sleeper accommodation also in Rajdhani Express train on duty and on LTC and Lt. Colonel and equivalent in receipt of basic pay of Rs.16,400/- and above to travel by AC-Ist Class also in Rajdhani Express while on LTC. 

         (ii)    In case of Shatabdi Express Havildar and equivalent will continue to travel by AC Chair car as before, Lt. Colonel and equivalent in receipt of basic pay of Rs.16,400/- and above are entitled to travel by Executive Class on LTC only.

1.        Zonal Railways shall allow reservation to (a) Havildars and equivalent and (b) Lt. Colonel and equivalent in receipt of basic pay of Rs.16,400/- and above as per revised entitlements as explained in para 1 & 2 above.  While allowing reservations it may please be ensured that necessary debits are raised against the Ministry of Defence in accordance with Rule 201(3) of MT No.6 Vol. I i.e. at Public Tariff Rates. 

4.       This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate in the Ministry of Railways .                                                                                                        
5.       Suitable instructions may please be issued to all concerned.

             (It disposes off N.F. Railway's letter No.C/276/RC/2 Pt.VII dated 9.4.2001)

(Mani Anand)
Director, Passenger (Marketing)
Railway Board.

Rate Instruction No. 15 of 2002.

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board

The General Managers(Comml.)
All Indian Railways.
The Officers on Special Duty
All Indian Railways

            Sub:- Proposed adjustments in freight rates with effect from 01.04.2002, Railway Budget 2002-03.

As announced by the Minister for Railways in the Budget Speech for 2002-03 in the Parliament on 26.2.2002, the Ministry of Railways propose to introduce the following changes in the freight rates with effect from 01.04.2002.

        1.1       There will be no across-the-board increase in the freight rates for the year 2002-03.

        1.2       Existing 25 (twenty five) classes with suffix A, B, C, K, M & X are proposed to be abolished.  The proposed classification of the commodities presently classified under these classes is given in the Annexure to these instructions.

        1.3       In the revised freight structure, there will be 32 percentage classes in relation to the Base Class-100.  The array of classes will be as under:  

        1.4        In the revised freight structure, Class-90 will be the lowest class.  Any commodity being charged below Class-90 in the present Goods Tariff No.43, Part-I, Vol. II, shall be charged at class-90.

        1.5        In the revised freight structure, Class-300 will be the highest class.  Any commodity being charged at Class-300X in the present Goods Tariff No.43, Part-I, Vol. II, shall be charged at Class-300.

2.     The General Secretary, Indian Railway Conference Association (IRCA) has been requested to print and supply revised Goods Rate Tables showing the rates per quintal for different distance slabs for all the classes.  Correction Slips to Goods Tariff No.43 part-I, Vol.II, indicating the revised classification w.e.f. 01.04.2002 of certain commodities as per Annexure, shall also be provided by the IRCA.

 3.     Zonal Railways should ensure that the requisite number of copies of revised Goods Rates Tables and Correction Slips to Goods Tariff No.43 part-I, Vol.II are collected from the General Secretary, IRCA by deputing staff and that the Rate Tables and Correction Slip are distributed to the station staff well before 01.04.2002.

4.       Steps should be taken to ensure that the staff fully understand the changes in the freight rates and implement them correctly.  Commercial Inspectors and Traffic Inspector of Accounts (TIAs) should be deputed to important goods sheds/stations for ensuring correct implementation of the instructions and revised Rate Tables by the concerned staff.

 5.       This letter is issued in the form of an advance intimation of the proposed adjustments in freight rates.  A draft circular should be kept ready but issued for effecting changes only after receipt of sanction of the Central Government in the matter.

 7.      This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate in the Ministry of Railways.

 8.       Issue necessary instruction to all concerned.

(Shiv Dan Singh)
Director, Traffic Comml (Rates)
Railway Board

Rate Instruction No.   17 of 2002.

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board

The General Managers(Comml.)
Central Railway,
Mumbai.

                        Sub:-  Station to station rate for Cement ex Wadi to Miraj in favour of M/s ACC Ltd. Wadi.

                         Ref:-    Sh.Kamal Kant, CCM(FM)/C.Rly’s D.O.letter No.C/636/R/417/STS/ACC/Cement dated 24.12.2001 .    

Your proposal for sanction of freight concession to the extent of 22% on Cement traffic of M/s ACC Ltd. ex Wadi to Miraj via Pune (all BG route) has been examined.

 2.   Board have approved the quotation of station to station rate involving freight concession of 22% in present freight rates to Cement traffic of M/s ACC Ltd. for movement via all BG route ex Wadi to Miraj via Pune.   This concession is subject to the following conditions: 

(a)   M/s ACC Ltd. shall offer 6000 tonnes of Cement traffic per month by rail if in any particular month ACC fails to load 6000 MT concession would not be granted in the month party defaults and full freight will be realised.  However, if they achieve a loading of 18000 tonnes in the quarter covering the month the party defaulted concession may be granted on all the traffic booked during the quarter.

(b)   This concession will take immediate effect and will remain valid for a period of one year.    

 3.   Action may now be taken to quote the reduced station to station rate subject to fulfillment of other conditions regarding grant of such rates. 

4.    A report indicating the traffic offered by the party  prior to and under this dispensation, total earnings achieved, total freight concession paid, be advised to the Board on quarterly basis. 

5.    This issues in consultation with the Finance Dte. in the Ministry of Railways.

(Shiv Dan Singh)
Director, Traffic Comml (Rates)
Railway Board

Rate Instruction No. 20  of 2002.

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board

The General Managers(Comml.)
All Indian Railways.

            Sub:-  Classification of Motor vehicles, NOC – when loaded in BCCN wagons.

Sanction of the Central Government is accorded to classify and charge Motor vehicles, NOC at Class 250 when loaded in newly manufactured and modified  BCCN wagons,  like that for NMG rakes.

This classification will remain in force for a period of six months w.e.f 1.4.2002. 

The Railways having originating traffic in Motor vehicles, NOC are requested to send monthly statement of loading and earnings from the BCCN rakes indicating the type, model, make and the number of vehicles loaded per BCCN wagons to enable an analysis about utilisation and earning capacity of the newly manufactured modified BCCN wagons with a single deck.  For further continuation of this classification beyond 30.9.2002, please furnish comments of Commercial and Associate Finance of your railways by 31.8.2002.

This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate in the Ministry of Railways.

Please issue necessary instruction to all concerned.

(Shiv Dan Singh)
Director, Traffic Comml (Rates)
Railway Board

Rate Instruction No.  18 of 2002.  

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board

The General Secretary
IRCA,
DRM’s Office,
State Entry Road,
New Delhi.

                         Sub:-  The minimum weight condition of Ribbed wire rod coil of 10-12 mm diameter.
Ref:-   i)  Board’s telemax message of even number dated 3.12.2001.
ii)IRCA’s letter No.GC/1149/IX dated 2.1.2002.

        With reference to above, Board’s sanction is accorded to insert “wire rod coil” in IRCA Goods Tariff No.43, Pt.I Vol.II as per enclosed Annexure.
        GS/IRCA may kindly issue regular/printed correction slip to Goods Tariff.
DA: As above.

(Shiv Dan Singh)
Director, Traffic Comml. (Rates)
Railway Board.