In a major boost to regional multimodal logistics and hinterland connectivity, the Chennai Port Authority (ChPA) has officially commenced scheduled container rail services between its Chennai International Terminals Pvt Ltd (CITPL) facility and ICD Sanathnagar (Hyderabad) in Telangana.
Operated by Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) in commercial association with global container carrier OOCL, the service establishes a direct, cost-effective rail gateway linking Hyderabad’s manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and consumer trade hubs directly to East Coast maritime shipping networks.

Key Operational Highlights & Multimodal Connectivity

  • Inaugural Rake Operations: The maiden train service comprised a 40-wagon container rake transporting 14 Forty-Foot Equivalent Units (FEUs) and 18 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), aggregating 46 TEUs on its inaugural run.

  • Deepening Deccan Hinterland Access: The dedicated corridor provides cargo owners, exporters, and importers in Hyderabad and Telangana with a faster, schedule-reliable rail alternative, reducing historical dependence on congested West Coast routing.

  • Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Flagged off at Chennai Port by Sachin S. Kurve, IAS, Chairperson, ChPA, alongside Ms. Gayatri, IRTS, Area Head South, CONCOR, the service reflects growing public-private coordination between port authorities, rail operators, and liner services.

  • Sustainability & Transit Efficiency: Shifting long-haul containerized freight from inter-state road transport to scheduled rail rakes significantly lowers freight transit costs, reduces highway congestion, and cuts carbon emissions across supply chains.