CONCOR flags off ‘Aushadhi Express’ reefer rake from Hyderabad
New service links ICD Sanatnagar to JNPT, strengthening pharma cold-chain logistics with temperature-controlled transport and improving supply reliability.
An inaugural refrigerated container rake, branded “Aushadhi Express”, was flagged off on 2 May 2026 from Inland Container Depot (ICD), Sanatnagar by Shri Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, General Manager, South Central Railway, along with Shri Sanjay Swarup, Chairman and Managing Director of Container Corporation of India (CONCOR).
The reefer container rake will operate from ICD Sanatnagar to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) and has been specially designed for the safe transport of life-saving medicines and other temperature-sensitive cargo. The consignment is carried in advanced refrigerated containers equipped with diesel power packs to ensure uninterrupted cooling throughout the journey.
Senior officials from South Central Railway, CONCOR and Maersk, along with logistics partners and key stakeholders, were present at the flag-off ceremony.
The launch of this service marks a step towards strengthening cold-chain connectivity and improving the efficiency of India’s pharmaceutical supply chain. As part of the initiative, Maersk Line is providing high-quality reefer containers, supporting the development of cold-chain logistics capabilities at ICD Sanatnagar.
Hyderabad, known as one of India’s largest pharmaceutical hubs, plays a key role in the movement of pharma cargo. Major pharma clusters in the region include Genome Valley in Turkapally, Jeedimetla Industrial Area, Patancheru and Mucherla. The Hyderabad–JNPT corridor serves as an important link between industrial regions in Telangana and one of India’s busiest ports, supporting regional economic activity.
The introduction of dedicated reefer rake services is expected to reduce transit time, lower logistics costs and improve supply chain reliability for exporters and domestic distributors. It also reflects the growing demand for dependable cold-chain solutions, driven by increasing pharmaceutical exports and the need for quality preservation.
The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for exporters, improve price realisation and reduce wastage. It also aligns with the Government of India’s PM Gati Shakti vision to promote efficient, sustainable and eco-friendly freight transportation systems.
