Three trucks loaded with Maruti auto parts, originally stored in Gurgaon and Manesar factories, embarked on a unique journey from New Rewari to Gujarat’s Palanpur, covering a distance of 700km in just 12 hours.
This swift transit was made possible by loading the trucks onto wagons, a part of the ‘truck on train’ or roll-on, roll-off (RO-RO) concept, introduced by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Company India Limited (DFCCIL).
Upon reaching Palanpur, the trucks were offloaded, and the parts were efficiently transported to Maruti’s factory in Mehsana, significantly reducing transit time compared to traditional road transportation, which typically takes a day for the same distance.
Officials from DFCCIL revealed that Rewari station has the capacity to dispatch such trains every three hours, accommodating around 250 trucks daily, with plans to scale up to 1,000 trucks a day in the future.
Union Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnav has endorsed the RO-RO concept, emphasizing its role in curbing carbon emissions and fostering green logistics ecosystems nationwide.
Trucks are loaded onto wagons via ramps after adhering to all safety regulations, including weight and height restrictions, ensuring seamless transition between road and rail transport.
The recent initiative, spearheaded by logistics company Vinsum Axpress, marks the inaugural transportation of auto components using this service in India.
Vinod Sharma, CMD of Vinsum Axpress, highlighted the environmental benefits and operational efficiencies of the RO-RO method, emphasizing its alignment with global best practices.
Maruti Suzuki, committed to greener transportation, has embraced this initiative, aiming to transport a significant portion of its car fleet via railways.
SD Chhabra, executive officer at Maruti Suzuki, expressed intentions to expand rail transportation for parts movement, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals.
With trucks being a major contributor to carbon emissions and air pollution in India, the shift towards rail transportation presents a significant opportunity to mitigate environmental impact.
The ‘Truck on Train’ service not only reduces transit time and congestion but also lowers fuel costs, toll taxes, and vehicle wear and tear, enhancing cost-effectiveness for operators.
DFCCIL’s RO-RO service on the western freight corridor is a pioneering step towards sustainable freight transportation.
While RO-RO services have been operational on other rail routes since 1999, their reintroduction on the western corridor underscores the industry’s commitment to eco-friendly logistics solutions.
