Rajkot: Container train operations began from the newly developed Makansar Freight Terminal last week, providing Morbi and nearby industries with enhanced rail connectivity. With this development, the Business Development Unit (BDU) of Rajkot Railway Division achieved a milestone by transporting Morbi’s ceramic tiles in a container train for the first time from the terminal. This facility is expected to reduce freight costs and give industries in Morbi and surrounding areas a more efficient option for sending goods across the country.

The Makansar Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal has been developed by G-Ride near Morbi, Gujarat, as a joint venture between the Government of Gujarat and the Ministry of Railways under the PM Gati Shakti policy. The Rajkot Division’s BDU has been conducting continuous surveys to identify new commodities for rail transport and has actively engaged with traders to highlight the benefits of rail freight. These efforts have now resulted in the successful launch of container train operations from Makansar.

In its first run, the container train carried 1,824 tonnes of ceramic tiles in 56 containers, generating revenue of about ₹5.94 lakh for Rajkot Division. Western Railways said that incentives offered to promote freight movement played a key role in this success, and the volume of traffic from the terminal is expected to grow further in the coming months.