Maersk launches reefer rail link for Hyderabad pharma exports
The weekly service connects Hyderabad with Nhava Sheva, offering temperature-controlled cargo movement with lower emissions and end-to-end logistics support.
Maersk has launched a dedicated weekly reefer rail service connecting Hyderabad’s pharmaceutical manufacturing cluster with Nhava Sheva port in Mumbai, offering exporters a reliable temperature-controlled transport solution with lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to road transport.
Developed in partnership with Container Corporation of India, the service is designed specifically for pharmaceutical exporters in Hyderabad and operates on a fixed weekly schedule using 40-foot refrigerated containers. Maersk said pre-trip inspection compliance and quality-aligned container selection are integrated into every shipment, while several pharmaceutical manufacturers have already joined the service.
The Hyderabad–Nhava Sheva reefer rail corridor has been developed as an end-to-end cold chain solution. Under a single-window arrangement, Maersk will manage inland rail movement, ocean freight and shipment visibility throughout the cargo journey.
The service will support export shipments to destinations including the US East Coast ports of Newark, Norfolk, Charleston and Savannah, as well as Latin America, Europe and other reefer trade markets. Maersk will also provide exporters with documentation support, compliance assistance, cold-chain advisory services and destination trucking if required.
Thomas Theeuwes said India remains central to Maersk’s global growth plans and added that the pharmaceutical industry requires precision, reliability and accountability across the supply chain. He also said the partnership with CONCOR was instrumental in making the corridor operational.
According to Maersk, the scheduled rail service will offer reliable vessel loading, dedicated equipment allocation and priority handling, helping reduce delays commonly associated with road transport. Based on current projections, the shift from road to rail is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 3,000 tonnes annually, with savings expected to increase as cargo volumes grow.
Sanjay Swarup said the collaboration reflects growing confidence in rail as a reliable and efficient transport mode for high-value and temperature-sensitive cargo. He added that the initiative would strengthen India’s pharmaceutical export competitiveness.
