Railway Freight Activity Optimism Index (RFAOI)
Overall freight activity is expected to increase many folds over the coming years. To cater to the growing demand for freight, the shift in the modal share of transport from roadways to railways has become more critical than ever. Indian Railways aims to increase its modal share in freight to 45% from current level of 27%. To increase the share, various initiatives are being taken to modernize the rail infrastructure enabling low transit time, increased productivity, and lower overall freight cost.
Given the expected increase in freight demand, thrust on railway infrastructure and expected gains in operational efficiency in transporting freight through railways, understanding changing market dynamics of rail freight activity is important.
In this context Dun & Bradstreet and Jupiter Wagons are introducing first of its kind in India, a quarterly Railway Freight Activity Optimism Index (RFAOI), based on survey responses to capture the optimism level of businesses across India towards using railways to transport their freight.