New Delhi: Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, inaugurated the Sonik Integrated Logistics Hub and launched two new Door-to-Door Freight and Parcel Services virtually on Tuesday.
Vaishnaw emphasized that these door-to-door services are crucial for the country as they will enhance efficiency and considerably lower logistics costs. He noted that industries can now transport a specific number of containers without the need to fill an entire rake, streamlining the process.
The Minister further explained that Indian Railways would bridge the logistical gap between factories and train loading/unloading points through these comprehensive services. Additionally, goods sheds and logistics terminals will be equipped with facilities for stuffing and de-stuffing containers, allowing customers to make the most of the new service model.
Vaishnaw also highlighted that Sonik has become the first integrated logistics hub to offer such a facility. As part of the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals initiative, 115 terminals have been developed to offer multimodal services, bringing significant benefits to customers.
Starting with the Mumbai-Kolkata corridor, more services will soon be introduced to facilitate smooth goods movement and expand connectivity to additional cities. The Minister also mentioned the success of a new model for transporting tractors at affordable rates to support farmers, similar to how car cargo is efficiently moved. This transportation service will now extend to heavy construction equipment, such as JCBs.
Satish Kumar, Chairman & CEO of the Railway Board, pointed out that the door-to-door delivery initiative marks a transformative shift in rail-based logistics. With this service, consignments will be directly picked up from warehouses or factories and delivered to their final destinations, positioning Indian Railways as a comprehensive logistics service provider in line with the Viksit Bharat vision.
It is worth noting that Indian Railways is the world’s second-largest freight carrier, handling 1.6 billion tonnes of goods annually.
Key Details of the Logistics Hub and Services:
Sonik Integrated Logistics Hub (Lucknow Division)
Location: Strategically positioned 50 km from Lucknow and 20 km from Kanpur, linking the capital city with a key industrial area.
Services: Offers end-to-end logistics solutions, including door-to-door services, cargo distribution hubs, and inventory management.
Management: Operations will be managed by Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR), ensuring seamless connectivity.
Cargo Types: The terminal is equipped to handle various goods like fertiliser, food grains, cement, and tractors.
Infrastructure: Features state-of-the-art facilities, including warehousing and essential amenities for both customers and labor.
Assured Transit Container Train Service (Delhi to Kolkata)
Route: This premium service connects Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, and Kolkata, guaranteeing transit times.
Key Features:
Transit Time: 120 hours.
Frequency: Bi-weekly, with departures every Wednesday and Saturday.
Operations: Includes loading and unloading at intermediate stations, with a standardized dwell time of 6 hours.
Booking Options: Customers can choose from flexible options like Door-to-Door, Door-to-Terminal, Terminal-to-Door, and Terminal-to-Terminal.
Digital Integration: Booking and management can be easily done through CONCOR’s e-Logistics Mobile App.
Door-to-Door Parcel Service (Mumbai to Kolkata)
Service Process:
First Mile: Managed by CONCOR’s certified Business Associates.
Middle Mile: Core transportation through Indian Railways’ Parcel Train service, with a transit time of 48 to 60 hours.
Last Mile: Final delivery by CONCOR’s Business Associates.
Pilot Route & Clients: Currently operational on the Mumbai (Bhiwandi Road) to Kolkata (Sankrail) route, covering 1930 km. This service caters to major brands, including Castrol India, VIP Industries, Godrej & Boyce, and Nestle.
Infrastructure: The service is supported by a 5400 CFT cargo storage facility at both Mumbai and Kolkata hubs.
Cost & Efficiency: Compared to road transport, rail parcel service offers a 7.5% reduction in logistics costs and a 30% faster transit time.
These initiatives aim to revolutionize logistics by reducing costs and improving efficiency across India.
