Indian Railways has rolled out scheduled, commodity-specific cargo services to strengthen freight logistics by directly linking key production and consumption hubs across northern India.The new services include:Annapurna Service: Ludhiana–Varanasi, transporting foodgrains (704 km in 17 hours).Gati-Vahan Service: Farrukhnagar–Lucknow, carrying automobiles (557 km in 28 hours, reduced from 70 hours).Niryaat Cargo Service: Garhi–Mundra Port, for containers (1061 km in 32 hours).Anantnag Cement Cargo Service: Roopnagar–Anantnag, moving cement (586 km in 31 hours).According to the Railways, these services aim to ensure reliable transit, improve customer satisfaction, and provide industry-oriented logistics solutions. Extensive coordination was carried out with stakeholders such as FCI, automobile manufacturers, container operators, and adjacent railway zones to map efficient routes.Initially launched as trial runs, the services have now stabilised and are running smoothly.Positive Stakeholder FeedbackFCI commended the Annapurna Service for enabling faster dispatch of sponsored foodgrains to deficit regions in Uttar Pradesh, aiding labour and truck planning at unloading points.Maruti Suzuki praised the Gati-Vahan Service for reducing delivery time to 28 hours, making rail comparable to road transport.Exporters highlighted that the Niryaat Cargo Service’s sub-40-hour transit to Mundra Port improved coordination with ports and shipping lines.Cement firms welcomed the Anantnag Cement Cargo Service and the opening of the Anantnag goods shed, which improved labour and truck operations despite weather challenges.“With scheduled timings and advance updates on arrivals and departures, consignors and consignees can now plan logistics more effectively. These services enhance predictability, efficiency, and competitiveness of rail freight,” the Railways stated, reaffirming its commitment to providing world-class freight solutions that support industry, trade, and regional growth.News source: The New Indian Express