Indian Railways to shift bulk cement transport from road to rail to reduce pollution
Indian Railways and CONCOR are working together to move large amounts of cement through trains instead of trucks. This new move aims to reduce traffic on roads and lower pollution levels. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav called this policy a game-changer for multi-modal transport.
What are the new changes in cement freight charges?
The government announced reforms in February 2026 to make rail transport cheaper than road transport. The freight charges based on Gross Ton Kilometres (GTKM) were reduced from ₹0.90 to ₹0.85 per tonne per kilometre. Additionally, the railways provided discounts for empty return journeys to attract more business.
Which companies and agencies are involved in this plan?
The Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR) is playing a lead role by setting up silos and managing tank container operations. In October 2025, CONCOR signed agreements with major companies to shift their logistics to rail.
| Entity | Role/Action |
|---|---|
| Indian Railways | Policy making and freight rate reduction |
| CONCOR | Silo installation and terminal management |
| Adani Cement | Signed MoU for rail transport |
| MP Birla Group | Signed MoU for rail transport (RCCPL Mukutban plant) |
How will this impact the environment and economy?
Moving cement by rail will lead to lower fuel consumption and less carbon emission compared to thousands of trucks on the highway. This shift will reduce road congestion and lower the overall cost of transporting building materials across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
सीमेंट ढुलाई के लिए माल ढुलाई शुल्क में कितनी कमी की गई है?
फरवरी 2026 के सुधारों के तहत माल ढुलाई शुल्क को ₹0.90 से घटाकर ₹0.85 प्रति टन प्रति किलोमीटर कर दिया गया है।
CONCOR ने किन सीमेंट कंपनियों के साथ समझौता किया है?
CONCOR ने अक्टूबर 2025 में अडानी सीमेंट और एमपी बिरला ग्रुप के साथ सड़क से रेल में परिवहन शिफ्ट करने के लिए MoU साइन किए थे।