Indian Railways Launches Time-Tabled Cargo Services to Cut Freight Transit Time

23 Sep 2025 CW Team

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 Feedback

FCI 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

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

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

Real Estate

06 Apr 2026

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..