Kolkata, July 4

Despite suffering huge revenue losses in the passenger segment due to Covid-induced lockdowns, the Railways has registered the highest-ever revenue of Rs 4,575 crore from the sale of scrap in 2020-21. The previous best earning from scrap sale was Rs 4,409 crore in 2010-2011.

Scrap materials are generated mainly by way of laying new tracks, converting old tracks into new ones, abandoning old structures, selling old locomotives, coaches and wagons, selling surplus or condemned diesel locomotives and waste materials generated by workshops. In a reply to a query filed under the RTI Act, the Railway Board said revenue from scrap sale during the Covid pandemic-affected 2020-21 was 5% more than the previous year. — TNS