Central Railway Expands Auto Freight Network

Central Railway has expanded its automobile freight network by commencing vehicle transportation from Bhigwan Goods Shed in Solapur Division and Bhusaval Goods Shed in Bhusaval Division.

The first automobile rake from Bhigwan was loaded on July 19, carrying 100 vehicles to Rangiya in Assam, earning Central Railway around Rs 21 lakh in freight revenue.

This operation marks the first automobile loading from the reorganised Solapur Division after the transfer of the Daund and Manmad sections to Pune Division. Bhigwan Goods Shed has gradually expanded its freight operations over the past two years, handling coal and iron bars after infrastructure upgrades.

Railway officials said 26 more automobile loading requests have already been registered from Bhigwan, with each rake expected to generate Rs 16 lakh to Rs 22 lakh in revenue.

In another milestone, Bhusaval Goods Shed handled its first automobile rake on July 24 for Mahindra Logistics, transporting 100 vehicles to Nidvanda in Karnataka. The rake generated Rs 14.82 lakh in freight earnings.

The initiative is part of preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik in 2027 and is aimed at retaining and expanding automobile traffic through rail.

Central Railway said the expansion reflects its strategy of diversifying its freight business, improving customer convenience, and strengthening rail-based logistics.

The expansion supports Indian Railways' broader goal of increasing its freight market share through better infrastructure, customer-focused services, and sustainable transportation while creating long-term revenue opportunities.

The move is expected to boost the railway's revenue and create new opportunities for automobile manufacturers and logistics companies.

With the addition of these two new loading points, Central Railway is poised to increase its share in the automobile freight market.

This development is a significant step towards achieving Indian Railways' goal of increasing its freight market share and becoming a preferred mode of transportation for automobile manufacturers.

The expansion of the automobile freight network is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy, creating new job opportunities and stimulating growth in the region.

In conclusion, the expansion of Central Railway's automobile freight network is a significant development that is expected to have a positive impact on the railway's revenue and the economy as a whole.