Modernisation of existing rake points and starting of new rake points in the country is a need based ongoing process subject to commercial justification, operational requirement, technical feasibility and resource availability. 60 works of rake point improvement have been sanctioned at a cost of Rs. 1,975 Cr. Out of these 60 works, 31 works have been completed and others are in various stages of execution.  

There is no restriction in booking of rakes for movement of fertilisers. There are sufficient number of rakes available with Railways for movement of fertilisers to various loading points across India. Indian Railways has carried 24.26 Million Tonnes of fertilisers for the period from 1^st April, 2020 to 15^th September, 2020, as against 22.58 Million Tonnes for the period from 1^st April, 2019 to 15^th September, 2019 with an increase of 7.44%.  

This information was given by the Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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DJN/MKV