Central Railway has commenced the first automobile freight operations from the newly notified Igatpuri Goods Shed in Nashik district. The inaugural indent for the service was placed by Transport Corporation of India Ltd and the movement represents a new chapter for regional freight logistics. A total of 100 cars were loaded in 25 New Modified Goods wagons (NMG) that have been specifically designed for the secure and efficient transport of vehicles. The operation follows notification of the Igatpuri facility to handle vehicle consignments and completes initial operational checks.

The rakes are destined for Nautanwa Goods Terminal on North Eastern Railway in Maharajganj district, Uttar Pradesh, providing a direct link for long distance vehicle consignments. Each rake is expected to generate revenue of approximately Rs 1,716,750. The service offers a dedicated rail option for automobile consignments moving between western manufacturing centres and northern distribution hubs. Routing by rail is intended to deliver improved cost efficiency for bulk movements compared with equivalent road shipments.

The New Modified Goods wagons have been configured with features to secure vehicles during transit and to streamline loading and unloading processes at terminals. Use of NMG wagons reduces handling and the associated risk of damage while allowing consignors to consolidate multiple vehicle shipments into a single rake. Operators highlighted that consolidated movements can improve asset utilisation and reduce per vehicle carriage costs for long hauls. The arrangement is positioned to strengthen the freight value chain between production centres and consumption markets.

Central Railway officials indicated plans to scale the service in line with demand and operational feasibility, with further rakes to be introduced as required. The move aligns with broader efforts to boost freight throughput on the network and to encourage modal shift for high volume cargo. Stakeholders will monitor service performance, scheduling and revenue generation as the operation matures. Continued coordination between rail terminals, shippers and road feeders will be essential to sustain transit times and last mile connectivity.