* IR generates two thirds of its revenue from bulk freight by putting just one third of its total efforts/resources. i.e. freight gives huge profits and rest give huge losses to IR. If IR carry more freight traffic it shall be flushed with revenue and profits.
* There was tremendous economic boom during the Laloo period and huge incremental freight was offered by the industry to IR. This was probably the best economic environment for IR since independence.
* It was a matter of good luck for Lalu that his predecessor Nitish Kumar...
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have strengthened the creaking IR network through extensive track newal and modernisation programme.
* Laloo took advantage of the huge traffic demand by increasing the maximum permissible loading of freight trains (even without carrying proper study) to carry additional freight offered with existing wagons (about 460Tons extra loading per freight train) and a huge increment in revenue and hence huge profits resulted.
*In a nutshell-Luck was the biggest factor for profit. In contrast in 2016-17 the revenue freight offering has fallen down by 1 crore tons against the increase of 5-10 Crore tons/ year during the Laloo regime. As a result to make up for the losses IR is trying hard to tap non conventional freight, save in power purchase, go for flexi fare etc to survive.