Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR) has awarded a Rs 1.75 billion contract to Braithwaite for the manufacture and supply of nine container rakes designed to bolster rail freight logistics across the country. CONCOR said the procurement is intended to expand its dedicated freight capacity and improve the efficiency of intermodal container movement. The announcement comes as part of scheduled capacity enhancement by the operator.

Braithwaite will be responsible for building, testing and delivering the rakes under the terms of the contract and will coordinate with CONCOR on technical specifications and commissioning. The company will provide rolling stock compatible with existing freight corridors to ensure seamless integration with current operations. Technical work will follow industry norms and regulatory safety standards to ensure reliable operations.

The additional nine rakes will increase the volume of containerised freight that can be moved by rail, support logistics timelines and reduce pressure on road transport networks. It will benefit shippers by enabling larger consignments to be carried on established rail corridors and by offering a more predictable option for long haul movements. Operators will be able to schedule more frequent services on key corridors as the new rakes enter rotation.

The award aligns with efforts to strengthen rail freight infrastructure and to improve modal shift towards rail transport, which policymakers and industry stakeholders have prioritised in recent years. CONCOR and Braithwaite will proceed with implementation and delivery as stipulated in the contract, with both parties overseeing testing and commissioning before the rakes enter service. The procurement will affect freight rates and network utilisation as capacity is absorbed by the market. Both sides will monitor performance and maintenance schedules.