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The first double-stack container train between Mundra Port and Patli inland container depot (ICD) in the National Capital Region (NCR) was flagged off on Friday. The train was flagged off from Patli today.
The move is likely to bring down the unit cost of transportation for container train operators (CTOs) because they can pack up to double the number of containers in each rake. However, due to weight restrictions, CTOs can move lighter goods in fully loaded double stack container trains. This also enables better rail track utilisation.
Currently, double-stack container trains are operational between Mundra port and ICDs in Rajasthan.
MORE TRAFFIC FOR MUNDRA
Mundra Port SEZ (MPSEZ) might attract additional containerised traffic as it will offer faster movement of cargo from Mundra Port to the northern hinterland. To ensure this, MPSEZ is doubling the rail tracks at Mundra.
“The JN port is congested. With double-stack container movement to NCR, bigger vessels are likely to call on Mundra port,” Capt Sandeep Mehta, Chief Executive Officer, MPSEZ, told Business Line. (JN Port is a competing port).
BENEFIT TO USERS
Exporters and importers who book their freight between Mundra Port and Patli might benefit if the CTOs pass on some benefit through lower freight charges. “There are some structural freight issue with Indian Railways….we would like to pass on the freight advantages,” Capt Mehta said. He was talking in the context of container freight rate hikes of Indian Railways.
“Goods transported on these sectors which can be carried in double-stack containers include automobiles, electronic equipment and auto components,” Mr Umesh Bhanot, Vice-President, Adani Logistics, said.
The CTOs who are already running trains on Patli - Mundra Port sector are Adani Logistics, Hind Terminal Pvt Ltd, Inlogistics, and India Infrastructure and Logistics. “Container Corporation of India (Concor) might also start running services on this sector. We are in talks with them,” Capt Mehta said.
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