A container train service from Morbi in Gujarat to Kannur in Kerala has been launched by the Vikram Logistic and Maritime Services (VLMS). VLMS, a joint venture company of Indian Railways and Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd. launched the container train service from Morbi to the Kannur South Railway Station which had been declared as a Container Rail Terminal (CRT) by Railways, Company Vice-President L.S. Kumar said at a press conference here on Monday.
He said that the container train service had been introduced in view of the high demand for tiles in the Malabar region. Morbi is a tile production hub.
L.S. Kumar added that the closed circuit service was aimed at cutting down transmit time, cost advantage over road haulers and absolute safety to cargo, among others. He also said that the train movement helps in protecting the environment since bulk cargo is transported by rail.
In the coming months, the company plans to increase the number of services between Gujarat and Kerala for movement of other cargo such as textiles, medicines and food grains, among others, which would bring down the landed price of the commodities.
The bulk movement would carry 2,500 metric tonnes per rake. Mr. Kumar said that VLMS had also identified four more routes as part of its expansion programme. The manufacturers, farmers and traders could take the benefit of sending their cargo to northern and western parts of the country economically and safely, he said.
Company General Manager, S.S. Menon, and Executive Vice-President, N. Shivakumar, were also present at the press conference.
