Indian Railways launches 3 freight services to boost logistic sector

Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on 14 October virtually inaugurated three major logistics initiatives in collaboration with the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR).

This includes an integrated logistics hub in Uttar Pradesh, a guaranteed time-bound container train service between Delhi and Kolkata, and a cost-saving door-to-door parcel service between Mumbai and Kolkata.

The minister said, “Door-to-door services are essential for the country, as they will enhance efficiency and significantly reduce logistics costs.”

The minister notes that industries can now dispatch specific numbers of containers without the compulsion to book an entire railway rake.

“Indian Railways is committed to bridging the logistical gap between factories and train loading/unloading points by equipping goods sheds and logistics terminals with stuffing and de-stuffing facilities,” he said.

Integrated hub
The newly inaugurated Integrated Logistics Hub at Sonik in Uttar Pradesh is strategically located to serve the industrial centers of Lucknow and Kanpur.

The facility provides end-to-end solutions, including dedicated warehousing and essential amenities. CONCOR will ensure crucial first and last mile connectivity, allowing the terminal to handle a diverse cargo profile, including fertilizer, food-grains, cement, and tractors.

Assured transit container train service
The assured transit container train service, a bi-weekly route connecting Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, and Kolkata guarantees a transit time of 120 hours. This service acts as a reliable alternative to road transport, departing every Wednesday and Saturday.

The operation features standardised loading and unloading procedures at intermediary terminals, including Tughlakabad (Delhi), Agra, Kanpur (ICD Siding), and Kolkata (ICD Siding), with a maximum dwell time of 6 hours.

Customers benefit from maximum flexibility, with booking options ranging from door-to-door to terminal-to-terminal, all manageable through the CONCOR e-logistics mobile app.

The door-to-door parcel service
The dedicated door-to-door parcel service operates on the 1930 km Mumbai (Bhiwandi Road) to Kolkata (Sankrail) route.

This integrated model utilises CONCOR's certified business associates for the first and last mile, while the core transport leverages the speed of Indian Railway’s parcel train service, achieving a runtime of just 48 to 60 hours.

This service has already secured major clients, successfully moving consignments for brands such as Castrol India, VIP Industries, Godrej & Boyce, and Nestle.