Indian Railways has launched comprehensive door-to-door cargo services on major industrial corridors. The initiative includes a new parcel service between Mumbai and Kolkata, an Assured Transit Container Train Service connecting Delhi and Kolkata, and the inauguration of the Sonik Integrated Logistics Hub in Unnao, near Lucknow.
Officials highlighted that the new approach allows industries to dispatch a specific number of containers without waiting to fill entire rakes, bridging first-mile and last-mile connectivity gaps that have historically constrained rail freight. According to experts, this model marks a strategic transition from bulk commodity transport to a service-oriented logistics framework, potentially reducing carbon emissions by optimising rail utilisation over road transport. The Sonik Integrated Logistics Hub, managed by the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), is strategically located between Lucknow and Kanpur. It combines warehousing, distribution, and inventory management, offering end-to-end cargo solutions for fertilisers, cement, grains, agricultural machinery, and other industrial commodities. Officials emphasised that integrating road and rail networks at such hubs is key to achieving faster, eco-friendly freight operations while supporting India’s net-zero emission targets.
The Delhi-Kolkata Assured Transit Container Service guarantees delivery within 120 hours. This bi-weekly service enables door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, and hybrid bookings, all trackable via the CONCOR e-Logistics mobile application. Similarly, the Mumbai-Kolkata parcel service spans 1,930 km, connecting Bhiwandi Road terminal near Mumbai to Sankrail near Kolkata. The service integrates first-mile pickups, middle-mile rail transit, and last-mile deliveries, resulting in up to 7.5 per cent lower logistics costs and 30 per cent faster delivery compared to road transport. Officials emphasised that these innovations will cater not only to industrial clients but also to households and small businesses, expanding rail’s reach into the consumer sector. Experts added that the new framework could enhance operational efficiency, reduce traffic congestion, and lower urban pollution levels by diverting freight from highways to railways.
Civic authorities and transport analysts noted that the initiative represents a broader shift towards sustainable urban logistics, aligning with India’s goals for equitable, eco-friendly, and efficient transportation systems. The success of the pilot corridors could encourage further expansion of door-to-door freight services across other key industrial zones nationwide, providing both economic and environmental benefits. Indian Railways’ renewed focus on integrated logistics is expected to position rail freight as a cornerstone of India’s sustainable transport infrastructure, bridging industrial supply chains with consumer needs while minimising environmental impact.
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