The book “Iron ore The Railway story “ of G K Mohanty released
Kolkata : 11/07/2021(Report: Sanatan Mahakud): The book “Iron ore The Railway story “ is about rail transportation of iron ore from 1911 (when iron ore was moved from Gorumahisani station to Kalimati, present Tatanagar station for TISCO ) till 2020. Growth of mines, railway network, designing wagons by railways are highlighted. Post independence, growth of mines for new public sector steel plants, rail connectivity, railway policies, pattern of supply chain management ensured a symbiotic relationship.
The first decade of present millennium witnessed ore rush due to Chinese demand of ore to sustain their production with lucrative ore prices. The change was swift and railways took both tariff and non tariff measures( infrastructure development, operational innovations, PPP model for wagons) to meet the demand and boost earning .
The second decade witnessed ore crash and revival. Indiscriminate mining, illegal mining was far beyond the “carrying capacity “ of infrastructure in ore rich states. Impacted were Odisha, Karnataka Goa , with concentration of private non captive miners. Lokayukta report , Shah Commission on illegal mining , Supreme Court intervention could restore sustainable mining. Railway who burnt the wrath of this external factors, changed its booking procedures for this sustainable development. Finally MMDR (Amendment) Act 2015 set auctions of mines leases for allotment .
The paradigm shift in mining leases in ore rich states witnessed a national foot print. Railway now faces challenge from alternative modes, to meet this emerging demand in face of National Steel policy 2017.
Mr GK Mohanthy’s book “Iron Ore The Railway Story” is very interesting, informative of iron ore right from the content, composition, deposits,mining, transportation, processing, production of sponge iron, pallets, iron and steel. It brings out how the Railways played a major role in formulation of policies,
expansion of mining and steel plants in India and the world. This is very useful for the young generation and the people who are in the business and transportation of iron and steel. A well thought and analytical story of growth of iron ore and railways . Mr GK Mohanthy was my first boss when I got my first posting as ACM in Railways and last boss in SER when I was CTPM. He is very inspiring officer. Incidentally by virtue of working in SER, the blue chip railway, I visited almost all iron mines and steel plants in India while working in different capacities which helped me to appreciate the book. My sincere n hearty congratulations to Mr Mohanthy for leaving such a wonderful account of his experience in dealing with iron ore and freight business of railways. Best wishes n regards.