Indian Railways has launched a dedicated Parcel Cargo Express Train (PCET) connecting Agartala in Tripura with Ludhiana in Punjab.
The service, set to operate weekly, is poised to reshape cargo movement across 2,768 km in under 90 hours, providing much-needed access for perishable goods and commercial freight from the Northeast. With an initial carrying capacity of 364 tonnes scalable to 484 tonnes over the next six months the train marks a significant infrastructure commitment towards expanding freight corridors. The train will make four round trips per month, clocking a total of 313 trips over the next six years. The service is expected to generate an estimated revenue of ₹198 crore, reflecting not just commercial viability but also the rising demand for streamlined, green freight solutions.
The PCET service is aimed at bridging critical logistics gaps and strengthening supply chains originating from the Northeast, a region long marked by economic underrepresentation despite its agricultural and artisanal richness. It will facilitate the transport of products such as tea, bamboo, mosquito repellent, plastic granules, and fast-moving consumer goods from Agartala, while enabling the inbound movement of electronics, hosiery, cycles, sanitary items, and white goods from Ludhiana and Delhi. Strategically, this rail service is a step toward promoting climate-conscious logistics. Trains have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to road freight, especially over long distances. By improving the viability of rail as a cost-efficient and eco-friendly cargo medium, Indian Railways is advancing the national vision for a low-emission logistics ecosystem. The initiative is expected to replace several hundred truck movements monthly, reducing roadway congestion and fossil fuel dependence.
Moreover, the service holds promise for rural producers and SMEs in Tripura and Assam, unlocking access to North India’s consumer markets and accelerating income generation in agriculture and allied sectors. The seamless movement of perishable goods is likely to benefit growers of pineapples, areca nut, and other region-specific commodities, which often suffer due to inadequate cold chain and transport support. This development also reflects a broader national effort to level the playing field for India’s geographically remote and politically sensitive regions. In addition to economic gains, the move strengthens regional equity and lays the groundwork for decentralised trade networks. While early operations will be closely monitored for volume optimisation and turnaround times, stakeholders across the logistics value chain have welcomed the rail corridor as a progressive leap.
At a time when global supply chains are being re-evaluated for sustainability, efficiency, and inclusiveness, initiatives like the Agartala-Ludhiana freight service underline India’s commitment to building a resilient and future-ready logistics network. The railway corridor stands as a timely reminder that economic integration can indeed go hand in hand with environmental sustainability and regional empowerment.
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