Maruti Suzuki becomes first automaker to deliver vehicles by rail to Pollachi terminal

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has achieved a major logistics milestone by becoming the first passenger vehicle manufacturer to use the Pollachi railway terminal in Tamil Nadu for automobile dispatches. This development is set to boost the automaker's supply chain network in Southern India significantly. A special NMG automobile rake carrying 120 vehicles departed from the Manesar siding on August 18, 2026 and arrived at Pollachi Junction on August 24, 2026. The shipment included popular models such as the WagonR, Ertiga, Dzire, and Celerio. The freight charge for this 120-car shipment amounted to approximately 30 lakh rupees. From Pollachi, the vehicles are moved to Irugur near Coimbatore for distribution to showrooms across Kerala, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Pollachi ahead of the Onam festival.

Infrastructure upgrade under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

The Pollachi terminal lacked the necessary infrastructure to unload specialized automobile rakes earlier, presenting a major logistical challenge for automakers. The facility was recently redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2026. Falling under the Palakkad Railway Division of Southern Railways, the terminal is expected to handle roughly 70 automobile rakes annually and facilitate the delivery of over 11,000 additional vehicles to the region each year. This milestone highlights how modern railway station redevelopment is directly improving freight movement and regional commerce.

Growing focus on eco-friendly rail logistics

Maruti Suzuki first adopted rail-based vehicle dispatch in the 2014-15 financial year to reduce CO2 emissions, fuel consumption, and highway congestion. The company has successfully increased the share of rail in its outbound logistics from 5 percent in FY 2014-15 to 26.5 percent in FY 2025-26, transporting over 3.2 million vehicles by rail to date. Looking ahead, Maruti Suzuki aims to further increase its rail-based dispatch share to 35 percent by the 2030-31 financial year. Rail freight continues to prove itself as a greener, highly efficient alternative for bulk automobile transportation across India.