Is India preparing to establish dedicated container rail terminals?

India is preparing to establish dedicated container rail terminals at 23 locations across the country to enhance the movement of export-import (exim) cargo via its railway network, according to a report by The Economic Times.

Will Indian Railways develop a container terminal for coal & iron ore?

Quoting sources familiar with the initiative, the report noted that the Indian Railways has proposed more favourable financial terms to private concessionaires interested in developing these container terminals. However, handling bulk cargo such as coal and iron ore will not be permitted at these facilities.

Why did Indian Railways move to containerisation in 2024?

This move is expected to promote greater containerisation of cargo. Meanwhile, Indian Railways achieved a notable milestone in freight loading, with 126.97 million tonnes (mt) loaded in August 2024 alone, bringing the cumulative total for the financial year 2025 up to August to 653.22 mt, according to a press release from the Railway Board.

Are coal & iron ore containers allowed in India?

However, handling bulk cargo such as coal and iron ore will not be permitted at these facilities. The container terminals will come up in different states, including five in Maharashtra, four in Tamil Nadu, three in Rajasthan, and two each in Delhi and Haryana.

What is India's container shipping program?

This program is a component of the government’s larger endeavors to modernize the Indian freight industry, increase the effectiveness of logistics, and promote the expansion of domestic container traffic.

Will Indian Railways impose higher terminal access charges?

Puri added that the Indian Railways' earlier practice of imposing higher terminal access charges for exceeding certain container loading levels has been replaced with a flat fee under the new policy. This move is expected to promote greater containerisation of cargo.