NITI Aayog Study on Rail Freight

29 May 2025 CW Team

NITI Aayog, a government think tank, has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) for a study aimed at enhancing rail container freight transportation in India. The initiative seeks to identify and address regulatory constraints, ultimately increasing the proportion of goods moved by rail.

It is projected that by 2026, the national freight ecosystem will handle a total commodity volume of 6,366 million metric tonnes (MT), with container traffic accounting for 411 million MT. Currently, thirty per cent of non-bulk freight is transported by rail or rail-intermodal, while sixty-six per cent relies on road transport. The study will analyse global container pricing models and Indian Railways' freight pricing techniques to understand factors influencing modal share.

Furthermore, the research will delve into private container operations, pinpointing key challenges such as extended wagon turnaround times and last-mile connectivity issues. It will also provide policy recommendations for cargo consolidation, particularly for parcel and Less-than-Container Load (LCL) consignments, and suggest methods to attract more customers to rail for non-bulk movements. The study intends to propose suitable parameters for rationalising freight charges to improve competitiveness for domestic industries.

The scope also includes examining issues faced by Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and Container Freight Stations (CFSs), assessing terminal handling facilities, and evaluating the demand and supply of containers to mitigate potential shortages.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..