Improving Intermodal Connectivity for Freight Movement
PORTS & SHIPPING

Improving Intermodal Connectivity for Freight Movement

The current share of Inland Water Transport (IWT) in India’s total freight traffic stands at around 2 per cent, while railways and road transport account for approximately 18 per cent and 71 per cent respectively, as per the 2021 NITI Aayog report, Fast Tracking Freight in India. In an effort to reduce logistics costs and enhance intermodal connectivity, the government has undertaken several initiatives aimed at improving coordination between waterways, railways, and road networks.

To boost the use of IWT, Multi Modal Terminals (MMTs) have been integrated at key locations such as Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia, along with an intermodal terminal at Kalughat. These terminals on National Waterway-1 (NW-1) are also connected to the Shyama Prasad Mookherjee Port in Kolkata, creating a seamless flow of goods across transport modes.

Further, a Freight Village has been developed at Varanasi, serving as a cargo aggregation hub, while an Integrated Cluster-cum-Logistics Park has been established at Sahibganj to enhance cargo handling and storage capacities along NW-1.

Various ministries, including Petroleum and Natural Gas, Co-operation, Fertiliser, Food & Public Distribution, Heavy Industries, Steel, and Coal, have been advised to encourage Public Sector Undertakings under their purview to shift a portion of their cargo movement to the IWT mode. This strategic shift aims to promote a more sustainable and cost-effective freight transportation system.

The construction of the Inter-Modal Terminal (IMT) at Kalughat has been completed. This terminal is designed to cater to cargo traffic from north Bihar and Nepal, with traffic studies indicating a significant role for IMT Kalughat in increasing freight movement, particularly in the Saran region of Bihar.

The current share of Inland Water Transport (IWT) in India’s total freight traffic stands at around 2 per cent, while railways and road transport account for approximately 18 per cent and 71 per cent respectively, as per the 2021 NITI Aayog report, Fast Tracking Freight in India. In an effort to reduce logistics costs and enhance intermodal connectivity, the government has undertaken several initiatives aimed at improving coordination between waterways, railways, and road networks. To boost the use of IWT, Multi Modal Terminals (MMTs) have been integrated at key locations such as Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia, along with an intermodal terminal at Kalughat. These terminals on National Waterway-1 (NW-1) are also connected to the Shyama Prasad Mookherjee Port in Kolkata, creating a seamless flow of goods across transport modes. Further, a Freight Village has been developed at Varanasi, serving as a cargo aggregation hub, while an Integrated Cluster-cum-Logistics Park has been established at Sahibganj to enhance cargo handling and storage capacities along NW-1. Various ministries, including Petroleum and Natural Gas, Co-operation, Fertiliser, Food & Public Distribution, Heavy Industries, Steel, and Coal, have been advised to encourage Public Sector Undertakings under their purview to shift a portion of their cargo movement to the IWT mode. This strategic shift aims to promote a more sustainable and cost-effective freight transportation system. The construction of the Inter-Modal Terminal (IMT) at Kalughat has been completed. This terminal is designed to cater to cargo traffic from north Bihar and Nepal, with traffic studies indicating a significant role for IMT Kalughat in increasing freight movement, particularly in the Saran region of Bihar.

Next Story
Resources

Ajmera Realty launches tree drive on Environment Day

Ajmera Realty & Infra India marked World Environment Day with a large-scale tree plantation initiative—Plant-with-Purpose—across its projects in Mumbai and Bangalore. The drive was inaugurated at Ajmera Manhattan and Ajmera Greenfinity in Wadala, with senior company officials and residents in attendance. The campaign encourages residents to embrace eco-conscious, self-reliant lifestyles by growing useful plants and trees within their communities. Horticulture expert Devendra Bhekar guided residents on creating and maintaining green spaces. Ajmera Realty planted over 500 trees..

Next Story
Resources

Twaron®-reinforced tyre powers Brunel’s solar race car

Teijin Aramid’s Twaron® with circular content will debut in Bridgestone’s race tyres for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, supporting the Brunel Solar Team’s Nuna 13 car. This marks the first use of the recycled-content aramid in a high-performance race tyre. The Twaron®-reinforced belts help enhance durability, reduce rolling resistance, and maintain lightweight strength—critical for the 3,000-km solar race across Australia. Bridgestone combines this with ENLITENTM tech and other recycled inputs to maximise environmental and performance outcomes. Teijin Aramid, a..

Next Story
Building Material

Kamdhenu Paints launches new wood coating range

Kamdhenu Paints has launched a comprehensive premium wood coating range designed for both interior and exterior applications. The collection includes high-performance solutions like Kamwood 2K PU for a rich matt or high-gloss finish, Kamwood 1K PU for clarity and stain protection, and the Kamwood Melamyne system for a smooth, durable finish. Also featured are Kamwood Wood Stains, which enhance wood grains with vibrant colour, and NC Sanding Sealer for high-build grain filling. The range is supported by Kamwood Thinners for ease of application and optimal finish. Saurabh Agarwal, MD, ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?