HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, July 17: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), in alignment with the Ministry of Railways, has announced two significant policy revisions aimed at facilitating smoother and more cost-effective freight movement across the zone.
The information was provided in an official statement issued by NFR on Thursday.
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As a major relief for freight customers, NFR has decided to waive the Busy Season Charge (BSC) of 15% for goods transported in covered wagons during August 2025.
As per the current dynamic pricing policy, BSC is applicable throughout the year except in September.
However, based on a review by the Competent Authority, this exemption has now been extended to August as well.
All other instructions regarding the levy of BSC will remain unchanged.
In a parallel move to streamline terminal operations, the Railway Board has revised the guidelines on free time allowed at Engine-On-Load (EOL) terminals.
Under the new provision, BCNHL rakes will be allowed 8 hours of free time for both loading and unloading operations.
For other types of covered rakes, the existing 6-hour free time continues.
This amendment falls under the Rates Master Circular on Demurrage and Wharfage Waiver and will come into effect from July 17, 2025.
According to NFR, the waiver of BSC is expected to ease logistics costs during the monsoon month and promote higher freight loading, while the extended free time for BCNHL rakes will help reduce demurrage, streamline terminal operations, and improve overall efficiency.
“These measures reflect NFR’s ongoing commitment to fostering a customer-friendly and efficient freight ecosystem,” the statement said.
NFR has urged stakeholders to take advantage of these provisions for better logistics planning and cost optimisation.
