NITI Aayog invites expression of interest for a study on augmenting rail container freight movement to hinterland

NITI Aayog will come up with a roadmap to augment rail container freight movements to the hinterland. The government think-tank has invited expressions of interest for a study to identify policy challenges and suggest necessary interventions to enhance the share of container movement though railways.

Total commodity volumes in the national freight ecosystem during 2026 is projected at 6,366 MT, of which container traffic is projected at 411 MT. Of these, 66% of non-bulk freight moves on road and 30% is being moved by rail or rail-intermodal.

As per the terms of reference, the study will analyse container freight pricing methodology in Indian railways and assess container pricing models globally for identifying the factors affecting modal share.


Besides, it will analyse private container operations and identify the critical issues and obstacles faced by the operators such as high wagon turnaround time and last mile connectivity, among others.

“The study will identify policy bottlenecks in railways hinterland container freight movement, provide policy level suggestions for cargo consolidation (specially parcel) and LCL cargo (Less than container load) and suggest ways to attract customers to railways for non-bulk movements,” the Aayog said.

According to the Aayog, the study will suggest suitable parameters or methodology for rationalizing the freight charges to improve the outcome and
competitiveness of the domestic industries.

Further, it will bring to light the issues faced by inland container depot (ICD), container freight station (CFS) and status of terminal handling facilities, assess demand and supply of containers and suggest ways to mitigate lack of containers supply.