DP World starts new Powarkheda–Nhava Sheva rail link for EXIM cargo

DP World has introduced a new export-import rail service between Powarkheda in Madhya Pradesh and the Nhava Sheva container terminal in Mumbai. The company said the twice-weekly service will expand direct access for the state’s industries to global and domestic markets.

The service operates from DP World’s Multimodal Logistics Powarkheda hub, which brings together warehousing, an inland container yard, and a rail-linked cargo handling area. The site also includes a container repair unit to prepare boxes for rice and garment shipments, processing and manufacturing space for agricultural products, and cold storage modules for perishables, pharmaceuticals, and agri-commodities. According to the company, these facilities allow customers to consolidate processing, storage, and rail movement at one location, helping reduce delays and logistics costs.

Adhendru Jain, Vice President, Rail and Inland Terminals, DP World Subcontinent, said, “Our Powarkheda hub is a game-changer for customers, especially in agri-processing and food sectors, providing seamless integration of warehousing, cold storage, and bonded logistics. Multimodal connectivity ensures efficient domestic and EXIM cargo movement, significantly cutting transit times. We currently run twice-weekly services to Nhava Sheva and expect to scale to daily services based on strong customer demand. This hub not only boosts supply chain resilience but also advances sustainability, with a potential reduction in emissions of nearly 70% versus road transport. We are proud to enable faster, greener, and more reliable trade links for the region.”

The state’s location and its Logistics Policy 2025 have contributed to the rise of manufacturing and trade, with the sector accounting for nearly 19 per cent of GSDP in FY 2024–25. The new rail service offers a three-day connection from industrial centres such as Mandideep, Bhopal, Itarsi, Narmadapuram, Pipariya, Raisen, and Sehore to the country’s busiest container port.

Industries including agri-processing, chemical, food, steel, textile, stone, timber, and cement are expected to gain from improved reliability, bonded warehousing, regulatory support, and more predictable shipment schedules. DP World said the facility has rail capacity for more than 1,400 TEUs a month, with scope to scale as volumes grow.

The company’s inland network in India covers more than 50 EXIM and domestic rail routes, supported by over 100 owned container rakes and Special Freight Train Operator rakes. Its fleet of more than 16,000 containers and trailers supports last-mile delivery. Rail terminals in Pali, Modinagar, Panipat, Hazira, Hindaun, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad form part of this network, which DP World says is central to expanding market access for customers.