To increase the flow of export-import (Exim) cargo on its national transporter, India intends to establish 23 locations for exclusive container rail terminals. Officials with knowledge of the proposal claim that private concessionaires have also been presented with more favorable financial terms for the establishment of container terminals specifically for the Indian Railways. Bulk cargo, including coal and iron ore, will not be allowed to be loaded or unloaded at these container terminals.
According to a top official with knowledge of the proposal, there will be five container terminals located in Maharashtra, four in Tamil Nadu, three in Rajasthan, and two each in Delhi and Haryana. According to the official, similar terminals are also being considered in West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
According to the official, special container rail terminals would also be built in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, the new regulations permit container storage at terminals, enabling freight terminal owners to benefit from increased volumes.
