Indian Railways Launches Weekly Cargo Train Connecting Agartala and Ludhiana

Indian Railways has initiated a weekly Parcel Cargo Express Train (PCET) service linking Agartala in Tripura to Ludhiana in Punjab, aiming to strengthen trade connectivity between Northeast and North India. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Indian Railways Enhances Northeast Connectivity with New Freight Corridor

The newly launched PCET service spans 2,768 kilometers, completing the journey in under 90 hours. Initially, the train carries 364 tonnes of cargo, with plans to increase capacity to 484 tonnes within six months.

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This initiative is set to make four round trips monthly, totaling 313 trips over six years. The project is expected to generate approximately ₹198 crore (around $23.8 million) in revenue, reflecting the growing demand for efficient and sustainable freight solutions.

This service addresses critical logistical challenges faced by the Northeastern region, facilitating the transport of goods like tea, bamboo, mosquito repellents, plastic granules, and fast-moving consumer goods from Agartala. Conversely, it enables the import of electronics, hosiery, cycles, sanitary items, and white goods from Ludhiana and Delhi. By providing a reliable and eco-friendly transportation option, Indian Railways is promoting climate-conscious logistics and reducing reliance on road freight.

Indian Railways’ Initiative Boosts Regional Trade and Sustainability

The PCET service is poised to benefit rural producers and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tripura and Assam by providing access to larger markets in North India. The efficient movement of perishable goods, such as pineapples and areca nuts, is expected to enhance income generation in agriculture and related sectors. This development aligns with national efforts to promote regional equity and decentralize trade networks.

By replacing numerous truck movements with rail transport, the initiative aims to reduce roadway congestion and fossil fuel dependence. The service’s success will be monitored through volume optimization and turnaround times, with stakeholders across the logistics value chain welcoming this progressive step.

In an era where global supply chains are being re-evaluated for sustainability and efficiency, Indian Railways’ Agartala-Ludhiana freight service underscores the country’s commitment to building a resilient and future-ready logistics network.

Source, photo: urbanacres.in

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