South Central Railway has notified the Veldurthi Goods Shed in the Hyderabad division as an exclusive container rail terminal, giving a new push to container freight movement and multimodal logistics in the region. The move is aimed at improving handling efficiency and creating a more customer-friendly logistics corridor for container traffic.

With the upgrade, Veldurthi is now positioned to support safer and more streamlined container operations, including double-stack movement under electrified lines. The facility recently handled its first container rake after being converted into an ECRT, marking an important milestone for South Central Railway’s freight network.

The terminal notification is expected to strengthen logistics connectivity for businesses using rail-based container transport and add capacity to the inland cargo chain. It also reflects Indian Railways’ broader push to expand dedicated freight infrastructure and improve operational efficiency across key cargo corridors.

Gateway Distriparks has introduced a weekly import block train service from Pipavav Port to North India ICDs, creating a faster and more reliable rail link for import cargo moving inland from the western coast. The new service is designed to improve transit efficiency, reduce dependence on road movement, and strengthen supply chain connectivity for customers using Pipavav as an entry point.

The service is being positioned as a dedicated rail option for importers seeking better planning, quicker evacuation from the port, and smoother movement into key consumption and industrial markets in North India. Gateway Distriparks already operates regular container train services connecting major ports such as Nhava Sheva, Mundra and Pipavav with ICDs and dry ports across the hinterland.

Industry updates indicate that similar Pipavav-linked rail services have been used to support northbound cargo flows, with weekday schedules aimed at improving turnaround and port evacuation efficiency. The latest move reflects the continued expansion of port-rail logistics solutions as Indian importers look for faster inland connectivity and lower congestion at coastal terminals.

Indian Railways reported solid operational gains in June, posting simultaneous growth in freight loading and passenger traffic across key segments. The national transporter loaded 142.21 million tonnes of freight during the month, up 4% from 136.71 million tonnes in June last year, while passenger numbers rose to 638.1 million from 623.7 million a year earlier, marking 2.3% growth in overall ridership.

According to the railway ministry, higher freight loading, increased passenger traffic and continued augmentation of passenger services highlight Indian Railways’ sustained efforts to support economic growth, strengthen logistics and expand convenient travel options nationwide. Freight earnings also improved, with the railways generating additional revenue of about ₹430 crore in June, a 3% increase over June 2025.

Several major commodity groups contributed to the freight performance, signalling robust demand from core sectors of the economy. Fertilizer loading grew 19.1%, balance other goods 17.3%, iron ore 9.4%, domestic coal 4.9%, total coal 3.6% and clinker 7.2% during the month, underscoring the role of the rail network in supporting industrial activity and infrastructure development.

The June results build on steady momentum in the first quarter of FY27 (April–June), when Indian Railways loaded 419.08 million tonnes of freight, up from 413.05 million tonnes in the same period of FY26. Across the quarter, iron ore loading increased by 7.44%, clinker by 6.54% and balance other goods by 12.16% compared with the previous year, pointing to broad‑based growth in commodity flows.

To meet higher electricity demand during the extended summer season, Indian Railways ramped up domestic coal transportation to thermal power stations. Coal supplies to power plants in June were 7% higher than a year ago, helping support uninterrupted power generation and grid stability across the country.

Passenger traffic also showed positive trends, particularly in the non‑suburban segment that covers short‑ and long‑distance journeys. Non‑suburban passenger numbers rose 3.9% in June, from 289 million to 300.4 million, while the suburban segment, which includes daily commuter services, registered 0.9% growth, increasing from 334.6 million to 337.7 million passengers.

Alongside higher volumes, Indian Railways is advancing a broad modernisation drive in passenger services, including the expansion of premium and semi‑high‑speed train offerings. The number of Vande Bharat services has risen to 164, including the newly introduced Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Howrah and Kamakhya, while Amrit Bharat train services now stand at 72, with four new services launched in June to bolster affordable and modern long‑distance connectivity.

The ministry said that the continued growth in freight loading and passenger traffic reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to efficient logistics, reliable passenger services and modern rail infrastructure. It added that the railway system remains focused on supporting India’s economic expansion through capacity augmentation, improved operational efficiency and customer‑centric initiatives, while maintaining safe, dependable and passenger‑friendly transport services across the country.

India’s first hydrogen‑powered train has successfully completed a trial run on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana, marking a milestone in the railways’ shift toward low‑emission traction. The indigenous trainset, developed and tested by Indian Railways’ manufacturing and technical units, ran through a series of performance checks including speed trials, braking and stability tests, and hydrogen fuel‑system validation.

Trial performance and technical notes

The train attained its target speeds during the trial and completed prescribed oscillation and safety assessments required before certification for regular operations. Hydrogen fuel cells onboard convert hydrogen to electricity, emitting only water vapour at the point of use, which helps reduce greenhouse gas and particulate emissions on non‑electrified routes. The trial also evaluated onboard storage, refuelling readiness, and integration with existing railway signalling and safety systems.

Manufacturing and collaboration

The trainset was developed in India with contributions from domestic workshops and technology partners, demonstrating strengthened local capabilities in alternative‑fuel rolling stock. The project followed regulatory and safety clearances for prototype trials and is part of broader efforts to diversify motive power where electrification is not yet feasible or as a complementary low‑carbon option.

Operational implications

If cleared for regular service after remaining tests and approvals, hydrogen trainsets could offer a viable zero‑emission alternative for regional and branch lines, reducing dependence on diesel on non‑electrified corridors. Operators would however need to establish hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure, staff training, and maintenance regimes to ensure safe, cost‑effective operations at scale.

Policy and sustainability context

The trial aligns with national targets to reduce transport emissions and demonstrates a practical step toward decarbonising rail transport while leveraging indigenous manufacturing. Adoption at scale will depend on lifecycle cost comparisons with electrification and diesel, availability of green hydrogen, and supportive policy for infrastructure roll‑out.

Illustrative example

A hypothetical regional deployment could replace several daily diesel multiple unit services on a 150‑km corridor with hydrogen trainsets, cutting local emissions and improving air quality while requiring a single refuelling depot at a terminus.