Indian Railways is planning an overhaul of container transport to attract more export cargo, including fewer weighing checks, shorter trains and changes to freight charges. It is also considering allowing private companies to maintain container wagons.

Key Takeaways

  • Certain containerised exports would be exempt from mandatory weighing of every container, with random checks on 5% of rakes.
  • Proposed mini container rakes would have at least 25 wagons, compared with 45 on existing container trains.
  • Private wagon maintenance remains under consideration, with financial terms still being discussed.

Indian Railways plans fewer checks and shorter trains

Under the proposed weighing change, container operators would submit a copy of the Verified Gross Mass in line with Directorate General of Shipping guidelines. The relaxation would apply to certain commodities, while 5% of rakes would be subject to random checks.

Containers are weighed at depots before their rail journeys and at ports afterward, making the railway check an additional compliance step.

The planned mini rakes are intended to encourage transport of higher-value goods. Indian Railways currently has around 750 container rakes, each with 45 wagons.

Maintenance and freight-rate changes

Indian Railways is actively considering industry proposals to let private companies maintain wagons. Manufacturers and container freight operators have sought permission, and discussions on financial terms are underway. Operators want a freight discount if they undertake maintenance and say they could offer faster turnaround.

Around 5% of the total freight tariff value is currently charged for container-wagon maintenance. Industry estimates suggest roughly 20% of all wagons are in maintenance depots at any given time.

The railway also plans to expand the routes served by hub-and-spoke terminals. Operators could consolidate containers from different locations while retaining long-distance freight-rate benefits, rather than paying higher short-distance rates when cargo is rebooked at a hub.

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