DP World has launched two new double-stack rail services connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Maharashtra with inland container depots across the National Capital Region (NCR) and Gujarat.
The services operate through India’s Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) network and aim to improve cargo transportation, increase rail freight capacity and strengthen connections between ports and major industrial centres.
The new routes are expected to help exporters, importers and businesses move goods more efficiently while reducing transportation costs.
New Rail Routes Connect Major Industrial Centres
DP World announced the new rail services on October 26, 2026, as part of its efforts to expand freight connectivity in India.
The first service, which became operational in September 2026, connects JNPA with DP World’s inland container depots (ICDs) at Pali/Rewari, Jhattipur–Panipat and Modinagar in the NCR region.
The second service connects JNPA with ICD Sachana near Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
These connections will make it easier to transport containers between the port and important manufacturing, production and consumption centres in northern and western India.
Double-Stack Trains Increase Cargo Capacity
The new services use double-stack container trains, which can carry containers in two levels instead of one.
This allows more cargo to be transported in a single train journey, increasing freight capacity and making better use of railway infrastructure.
By operating through the Dedicated Freight Corridor, the trains can also support more reliable cargo movement between ports and inland terminals.
The services are designed to help businesses plan shipments more effectively and improve the movement of goods across supply chains.
Helping Businesses Reduce Logistics Costs
DP World said the new rail connections will provide businesses with more transportation options and improve cargo movement between major markets.
Hemant Kumar Ruia, Country Manager, Subcontinent (India), DP World, said expanding double-stack rail connectivity is an important step towards improving India’s logistics system.
He explained that faster and more affordable transportation between ports and industrial centres is becoming increasingly important as the Indian economy grows.
According to Ruia, the new connections between JNPA, NCR and Gujarat will help businesses reduce logistics expenses and develop stronger supply chains.
Supporting India’s National Logistics Policy
The expansion also supports the Government of India’s National Logistics Policy and PM GatiShakti initiative, which aim to improve coordination between different transportation networks.
These programmes focus on connecting ports, railways, roads and inland logistics facilities to make goods transportation faster and more efficient.
Adhendru Jain, Vice President of Rail and Inland Terminals at DP World, said the new services are aligned with India’s plans to develop an integrated logistics network.
He highlighted that combining dedicated railway infrastructure with inland container terminals will improve freight capacity and provide businesses with more reliable transportation choices.
Major Industries Expected to Benefit
The new rail services are expected to support several industries across Gujarat and northern India.
These include automotive, engineering, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles and home furnishings.
Companies operating in these sectors depend on efficient transportation to move raw materials, finished products and export shipments.
The improved connections with JNPA will help businesses access port facilities more easily and transport containerised cargo between industrial centres and international shipping routes.
Reducing Dependence on Road Transportation
Another important benefit of double-stack rail services is their potential to reduce the need for long-distance road freight.
Since trains can carry larger volumes of containers in a single movement, more cargo can be transported through rail instead of trucks.
This can help reduce road congestion, improve fuel efficiency and support more environmentally sustainable freight transportation.
The shift towards rail-based cargo movement is also expected to strengthen India’s overall logistics infrastructure.
Strengthening India’s Port and Rail Connectivity
DP World’s new double-stack rail services represent another step towards improving freight transportation between India’s major ports and inland markets.
By connecting JNPA with container depots in NCR and Gujarat, the company aims to offer businesses faster, more reliable and cost-effective logistics solutions.
The expansion is expected to support industrial growth, improve supply chain efficiency and contribute to India’s goal of developing a stronger and more sustainable multimodal transportation network.
