[ad_1]
The Indian Railways has imposed reportedly restrictions on the movement of lithium and lithium-ion batteries in leased parcel space of trains. According to a report in Economic Times, Indian Railways has mandated a 48-hour prior notice for transport of lithium batteries or powered equipment. “The consignment will also be checked by Railway officials who will approve whether it has been packed appropriately before being moved by trains,” a senior government official told the publication.Steps are reportedly also being taken to prevent misclassification of commodities.
Why the restrictions
The restrictions reportedly follow occurrences of parcels catching fire. Five instances of fire across Indian Railways were reported in the first half of the current fiscal year. Of these, two occurred in September itself. In comparison, there were only two cases of train fires in the same period last year.
Permission to use railway services given earlier this year only
Incidentally, the permission to move lithium, lithium-ion batteries, and equipment powered by these batteries was given in February this year only with the amendment of the Railways Red Tariff Rules, 2000. This allowed movement of cell phones, laptops, small electric vehicles, among others using the Railways Parcel service.
The amendment also allowed the movement of fire extinguishers, lighters or lighter refills, flammable perfumery products, and corrosive disinfectant liquids. The railways’ move to allow leased parcel space was aimed to diversify its revenue streams and attract more e-commerce companies to use the service.
What the restrictions mean
This may impact the movement of laptops, mobile phones, and small electric vehicles, among other commodities-using the railways’ parcel service.
Why the restrictions
The restrictions reportedly follow occurrences of parcels catching fire. Five instances of fire across Indian Railways were reported in the first half of the current fiscal year. Of these, two occurred in September itself. In comparison, there were only two cases of train fires in the same period last year.
Permission to use railway services given earlier this year only
Incidentally, the permission to move lithium, lithium-ion batteries, and equipment powered by these batteries was given in February this year only with the amendment of the Railways Red Tariff Rules, 2000. This allowed movement of cell phones, laptops, small electric vehicles, among others using the Railways Parcel service.
The amendment also allowed the movement of fire extinguishers, lighters or lighter refills, flammable perfumery products, and corrosive disinfectant liquids. The railways’ move to allow leased parcel space was aimed to diversify its revenue streams and attract more e-commerce companies to use the service.
What the restrictions mean
This may impact the movement of laptops, mobile phones, and small electric vehicles, among other commodities-using the railways’ parcel service.
[ad_2]
Source link
