DP World and Reliance Industries join hands to launch innovative rail solutions

Ahmedabad, India (Urban Transport News): In a major step toward sustainable and efficient logistics, DP World and Reliance Industries have launched an innovative rail-based logistics solution to revolutionize petrochemical transport in India. The initiative shifts cargo movement from road to rail, significantly reducing carbon emissions and operational complexities.

The new multimodal solution connects Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar manufacturing plant in Gujarat to DP World’s Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Ahmedabad, with onward movement to the Port of Mundra. This logistics corridor, spanning approximately 700 km, was previously covered entirely by road transport.

With this road-to-rail transition, the movement of containers is now consolidated into a single rail journey, eliminating the need for over 45 road trailers per trip and reducing more than 700 km of road travel per container. The shift is expected to significantly cut carbon emissions, lower transportation costs, and enhance export efficiency.

A Sustainable and Scalable Logistics Model

The integrated rail service enables the movement of up to 1,260 tonnes of petrochemical cargo, accommodating up to 45 containers in one trip. By consolidating cargo onto rail, the solution eliminates long-distance road exposure, optimizes transit times, and reduces dependence on drivers and trailers.

“This service exemplifies DP World’s ability to solve complex logistics challenges for leading companies like Reliance Industries,” said Ganesh Raj, Global COO, DP World Marine Services. “Our multimodal expertise has enabled a cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally responsible logistics model that supports Reliance’s expanding operational demands.”

Reinforcing Long-Term Partnerships

The project builds upon a decade-long collaboration between Reliance Industries and Unifeeder, a DP World company that serves as the primary logistics provider for Reliance’s petrochemical operations. The newly introduced coastal-rail integrated logistics solution is part of a long-term contract, with plans for further capacity expansion and enhanced flexibility.

Ravikumar Nair, Head of SCM Operations at Reliance Industries – Petrochemicals, emphasized the operational impact:
“DP World’s rail solution addresses our core logistics needs while advancing our sustainability goals. The transition to rail has not only streamlined our supply chain but also reduced carbon emissions and eliminated the need for 45 individual trailer movements.”

Strengthening India’s Multimodal Infrastructure

DP World is playing a pivotal role in reshaping India’s supply chain through multimodal logistics solutions that combine coastal shipping, rail, and inland infrastructure. The company’s commitment to green logistics is aligned with the Indian government’s goals of decarbonizing the transport sector.

Adhendru Jain, Vice President of Rail and Inland Terminals at DP World Subcontinent, added:
“We are committed to building integrated, resilient, and sustainable logistics networks in India. This solution not only meets Reliance’s logistics requirements but also sets a benchmark for sustainable cargo movement in the industry.”

Driving the Future of Green Logistics in India

As the demand for sustainable transport solutions grows across industries, this initiative by DP World and Reliance Industries marks a major milestone. It showcases the value of rail logistics in reducing carbon footprints, improving efficiency, and enabling seamless export readiness.

With plans to expand this model and replicate it across other trade corridors, India’s logistics sector is poised for a greener, more integrated future.