The Bengaluru division of Southwest Railways is planning to introduce double stack dwarf container trains – a first of its kind in the region. The change will not be easy as it calls for reconstruction of several rail over bridges. Further, Southwest Railways has also called for a tender to conduct a feasibility report/detailed project report at the cost of Rs.93 lakhs.
Typically, Double stack dwarf container trains require a vertical clearance of 4,877 mm, whereas the existing rail over bridges have a vertical clearance of 4,000mm. These double stack dwarf container trains are expected to increase the capacity of southwest Railways by 3000 metric tonnes per rake. Initially, two pair of trains will be operated from Mangalore to Mumbai Port, connecting ICDs such as Whitefield, Hosur, Mallur, and Devanguddi.
Southwest Railways has become the preferred logistics operator for automobile manufacturers, iron ore, cement, steel, minerals, oil, fertiliser, RMSP, coal, food grains and containers.
