Indian Railways has introduced time-tabled, commodity-specific cargo services aimed at drastically reducing freight transit times while improving reliability across northern India. The initiative connects key production and consumption hubs, offering dedicated services for essential commodities such as foodgrains, automobiles, containers, and cement. Officials emphasise that these measures are designed to streamline logistics, enhance predictability, and align rail freight operations with modern, industry-driven standards.
The new services comprise four key routes. The Annapurna Service transports foodgrains from Ludhiana to Varanasi, covering 704 km in just 17 hours. Automobiles move faster via the Gati-Vahan Service, reducing travel time between Farrukhnagar and Lucknow from 70 hours to 28 hours over 557 km. Container logistics benefit through the Niryaat Cargo Service, moving goods from Garhi to Mundra Port across 1,061 km in 32 hours. The Anantnag Cement Service ensures reliable cement deliveries from Roopnagar to Anantnag, covering 586 km in 31 hours despite weather challenges. Officials highlighted that the rollout followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including the Food Corporation of India, automobile manufacturers, container operators, and cement producers. These consultations helped tailor services to meet operational and commercial expectations, ensuring faster, more predictable movement of goods while reducing reliance on road freight.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the development. Experts from the Food Corporation of India noted that the Annapurna Service enables quicker dispatches of surplus foodgrains, improving labour planning and truck utilisation. Automobile manufacturers credited the Gati-Vahan Service with synchronising delivery timelines to match or even surpass road transport efficiency. Container operators reported smoother coordination with port operations via the Niryaat Cargo Service, with transit to Mundra Port consistently under 40 hours. Cement producers emphasised the enhanced reliability of dispatches despite regional climatic variations. Railway officials stressed that the initiative is not only about speed but also about predictability. By providing fixed timetables and advance information on arrivals and departures, consignors and consignees can optimise inventory, reduce idle time, and strengthen supply chain planning. The dedicated services reflect a strategic pivot toward sustainable and technologically aligned freight operations, supporting India’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and improving the efficiency of cargo logistics.
Experts note that such initiatives are critical for a country with growing freight volumes and infrastructure pressures. Reliable rail cargo solutions reduce congestion on highways, lower fuel consumption, and contribute to eco-friendly logistics while ensuring commercial competitiveness. As these services stabilise, industry analysts expect wider adoption of commodity-specific timetabled trains across India, potentially transforming the freight ecosystem and supporting sustainable industrial growth.
Also Read: Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express To Connect Lucknow Offering Faster Modern Comfortable Travel
