The Mysuru railway division is proactively engaging with local industries and trade bodies, advocating a significant modal shift from road to rail for industrial transportation. This strategic initiative, aimed at bolstering freight and parcel traffic, positions Indian Railways as a crucial partner in achieving a more cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally conscious logistics network. By leveraging the inherent advantages of rail transport, the division seeks to enhance regional trade while simultaneously contributing to India’s overarching goals of developing zero-net carbon and more equitable urban and industrial landscapes.
In a recent stakeholder engagement, the Mysuru division, a vital arm of the South Western Railway, convened a pivotal meeting with the Mysuru Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). The dialogue underscored rail logistics as a superior alternative to road transport, primarily highlighting its economic efficiencies and ecological benefits. Senior railway officials, alongside representatives from the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) and key industry players from surrounding areas including Chamarajanagar, Nanjangud, and Mandya, participated in a collaborative discussion aimed at fostering long-term partnerships.
Railway authorities articulated compelling advantages of rail-based logistics. They presented data indicating a substantial 33% cost saving in freight transport compared to road alternatives. Beyond the financial incentives, rail transport was showcased for its superior efficiency, offering more predictable transit times, typically ranging from 36 to 72 hours. Critically, the environmental footprint of rail was emphasised, with a striking 60% reduction in carbon emissions compared to road-based alternatives. This substantial environmental benefit aligns perfectly with the global imperative for sustainable economic practices and cleaner air in cities.
With an expansive 1,132-kilometre rail network and strategic proximity to major economic centres such as Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and Coimbatore, the Mysuru division is increasingly being recognised as a pivotal logistics hub in southern India. Railway officials detailed a diverse portfolio of freight solutions designed to cater to various industrial needs. These range from bulk transport utilising specialised wagons and private sidings for large enterprises to tailored services for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), including parcel cargo express trains (PCETs), e-commerce parcel movement, and container transport with integrated customs clearance facilities at the Inland Container Depot (ICD) Kadakola, near Nanjangud.
The division has already demonstrated significant success in transporting critical commodities such as cement, fertilisers, food grains, sugar, and automobiles. Notably, iron ore alone generates an impressive annual freight revenue exceeding ₹750 crore, underscoring the substantial economic impact of rail logistics in the region. This existing traction provides a strong foundation for expanding partnerships and diverting even more freight from congested roadways.
During the extensive interaction, stakeholders also articulated practical suggestions for further enhancing rail logistics infrastructure. These included calls for additional loading and unloading points, improved road connectivity to existing rail terminals, and targeted awareness sessions to educate SMEs on the benefits and available schemes for rail freight. Railway officials assured industries of their commitment to responsiveness, promising to evaluate the feasibility of all proposed measures. The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to coordinate efforts and conduct joint outreach, fostering a widespread modal shift towards sustainable and efficient rail-based cargo movement that benefits both industry and society.
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Mysuru Railway Division Seeks Logistics Partnerships to Boost Freight Traffic
