Western Railway's Ahmedabad Division Achieves Milestone in Car Transportation
The Ahmedabad Division of Western Railway has reported a significant surge in vehicle logistics, transporting over 3 lakh cars between April 2025 and January this year. This achievement highlights a sharp increase in the division's contribution to automobile movement, reinforcing the growing role of rail transport in the region's logistics network.
Railway's Expanding Share in Vehicle Logistics
Railway officials have revealed that Indian Railways has dramatically expanded its share in car transportation over the last decade, rising from approximately 1% to over 24%. The Ahmedabad Division has been positioned as a key driver of this shift, thanks to dedicated infrastructure and enhanced freight handling capabilities. This growth underscores a strategic move towards more efficient and sustainable transport methods.
Hansalpur Plant Railway Siding: A Game-Changer
A major boost to this progress came from the plant railway siding project at Hansalpur in Gujarat, which is connected to the Ahmedabad Division network. Officials stated that this facility has enabled large-scale vehicle dispatch by rail, leading to significant improvements in:
- Freight capacity
- Operational efficiency
- Asset utilisation
This project supports faster and more reliable distribution for manufacturers, streamlining the supply chain and reducing logistical bottlenecks.
International Recognition and Environmental Benefits
The Hansalpur project has received international acclaim, being declared the world's first "modal shift transportation project." Officials described this as a major achievement for the division, showcasing innovation in transport logistics. Additionally, the project has contributed to substantial environmental benefits:
- Estimated reduction of around 1.7 lakh tonnes of carbon emissions
- Rail-based vehicle movement is typically 15-20% cheaper than road transport, offering cost savings
Future Prospects and Development
Officials emphasized that the success of the Hansalpur project will strengthen the development of more private freight terminals and railway sidings within the Ahmedabad Division. This initiative is expected to further enhance rail's role in vehicle logistics, promoting sustainable and economical transport solutions for the future.
