CMA CGM S A with the launch of a dedicated export block train service linking inland container depot (ICD) Thar with Mundra Port is stepping up its block train business.
A block train is a full train service dedicated to one customer.
This block train service offers a devoted and seamless connection between ICD Thar and Mundra Port, serving customers’ with faster reach of cargo to external markets. The priority rail out options and fixed train schedules, allows customers to minimize the waiting time at ICD and plan more effective movement of cargo and get priority handling at ports.
A CMA CGM S A unit, CMA Terminals Holding-the world’s third largest container provider, runs a 1.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) capacity container terminal – Adani CMA Mundra Terminal Pvt Ltd – at Mundra Port through an equal joint venture with Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ).
Recently, the first fully loaded train of the new service carrying 90 TEUs was flagged off from ICD Thar by CMA CGM India and Hasti Petro Chemical & Shipping Ltd.
This addition of new services allows CMA CGM to offer a weekly capacity of 1,620 TEUs via its 15 weekly block trains (import-export mixed).
Hasti Petro Chemical & shipping Ltd runs the privately owned ICD at Jodhpur, Rajasthan under the title ‘The Thar Dry Port’.
The Ministry of Railways this year in may granted a Category 3 license to Hasti Petro Chemical & shipping Ltd to run container trains on the Indian Railways networks.
With the category 3 permit, a container train can operator to ply between the existing and future inland container depots serving the ports of Pipavav, Mundra, Chennai, Ennore, Vizag and Kochi and their hinterlands along with all domestic traffic except the routes mentioned in category 1 license.
Hasti Petro Chemical & Shipping Ltd is also setting up a private freight terminals at Jodhpur and Jaipur.
CMA CGM stated that it’s prime focus is on developing a sustainable door-to-door solution that permits it customers to eliminate carbon foot print of transported goods significantly. The block train option will significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
The French line connects India with the rest of the world through 12 services making 12 weekly calls at varied ports.
“Our new devoted service will reduce the ICD export pendency to the minimum and will connect ICD Thar and Mundra directly in 24-30 hours of transit time with priority handling at the port,” said Atit Mahajan, Managing Director, CMA CGM India.
“This service will set a brand new benchmark with its connectivity and faster service,” he added.
