The scheme took shape after the railways observed that space reserved for luggage in a passenger or mail or express train remained unused during the journey everyday. Two coaches are attached to every such train, one behind the engine and the other at the end, called SLR (second class, luggage, reserved) coaches. The attachment of these coaches are mandatory under safety rules of the railways, since they act as a buffer for other coaches in cases of accidents.

The coach is divided into three parts, one meant for unreserved passengers, another for luggage and the third for the guard. In the coach next tothe engine, the space reserved for passengers is replaced by another luggage compartment. ``We noticed that this space was not being used to optimum capacity for many years together,'' said an official from the WR's commercial department. The scheme is also being implemented in the railway system throughout the country, he added.

As per the scheme, the lessee will be allowed to carry goods upto four tonnes on broad gauge and 2.25 tonnes on metre gauge. He will be allowed to transport the goods under lock and key, though the railways will own responsibility for safety of the goods.

``Safety and reliability are our main advantages. Our trains keep their time, and they cannot run away with others' goods,'' said WR chief public relations officer Vinod Asthana. The spaces are available for rates ranging from Rs 3,115 per day to Ahmedabad to Rs 7,556 a day for New Delhi.

Though the scheme has been in place since the last five years, the response had not been very encouraging. ``This has been mainly due topassive marketing, and many did not know about it,'' said the official.

In a bid to improve the scheme's performance, WR officials will also go in for a massive public relations exercise, arranging meetings with the trading and manufacturing community. ``Even now, we earn nearly Rs 1.65 crore every year, we hope to increase this figure two-fold in a year,'' he added.