- The train was operated by Pipavav Rail Corporation Ltd. (PRCL), as associate company of Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd (GPPC)
- With the direct connection to ICD Jodhpur, the port offers dedicated, cost competitive and reliable supply chain options to the customers
- APM Terminals Pipavav is the first port to be connected to the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) by electrifying high rise overhead [OHE]
Pipavav, India:
APM Terminals Pipavav flagged off the first container train to Jodhpur ICD (Inland Container Depot) on electrified route. The container train was operated by Pipavav Rail Corporation Ltd (PRCL), a subsidiary of Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd. (GPPL). With this movement, PRCL started as independent Container Train Operation in India.
Jodhpur is known for the best of woodcraft, handicrafts & artistic furniture, guar gum for export. It imports the solar panels and white cement clinker. Recent surge in imports at Jodhpur has seen the trade experience congestion linked backlogs at various points of the supply chain. With customer centricity at the core of engagement and to ensure faster delivery of cargo and return of container; the Pipavav Rail Corporation Ltd. (PRCL), a joint venture between Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd and Indian Railways sough to relieve the congestion. This connection will reduce cargo transit time and ensure quick turnaround of containers by utilizing PRCL CTO license to commence a weekly direct regular service from Pipavav Port to Bhagat Ki Kothi on electric traction. This service is primarily started to ensure the timely dispatch of import containers basis bill of lading for ease of clearance on arrival as well is a direct service, so to avoid the delays at the hub & spoke terminals.
PRCL hopes that this niche product with regular departures will give competitive edge in supply chain planning to the end customers Commenting on this momentous occasion, Mr. Jakob Friis Sørensen, MD, APM Terminals Pipavav said, “Flagging off the train to Jodhpur from our port via electrified route is a significant step towards offering safe, reliable, cost effective and environment friendly EXIM cargo movement. The train service offers seamless connection to our customers from Jodhpur to the rest of the world. The weekly service operated by PRCL, will help in easing the congestion.”
