CHENNAI: Chennai Port Authority is stepping up efforts to strengthen multimodal connectivity between Hyderabad and Chennai Port, with a proposed weekly rail service emerging as a key initiative to facilitate faster, reliable and cost-effective movement of EXIM cargo between Telangana’s major industrial hinterland and the east coast gateway.
A delegation from Chennai Port Authority recently visited Hyderabad and held discussions with key stakeholders, including the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), Customs Brokers Association Hyderabad (CBAH), CONCOR ICD Sanathnagar, exporters, importers, logistics service providers and shipping lines.
The engagements focused on the potential institutionalisation of a dedicated weekly rail service between Hyderabad and Chennai Port, aimed at providing the trade community with a dependable multimodal logistics solution while improving access to international shipping services through Chennai.
The proposed service is expected to strengthen the port’s reach into the Hyderabad and Telangana hinterland, offering exporters and importers an additional rail-based logistics option that can help improve supply-chain reliability, optimise transportation costs and facilitate smoother EXIM cargo flows.
The initiative also forms part of Chennai Port Authority’s broader strategy to deepen rail connectivity with important hinterland markets. The port already has an extensive 31-km internal rail network and nine rake sidings, providing the infrastructure required to handle and facilitate seamless movement of cargo between rail and port operations.
For Hyderabad-based exporters and importers, enhanced rail connectivity with Chennai Port could provide greater flexibility in routing international cargo, while strengthening the port’s position as an important gateway for the southern and central Indian hinterland.
With stakeholders across the EXIM and logistics ecosystem now engaged in discussions, the proposed weekly rail link represents a significant step towards building a more integrated rail–port–shipping logistics corridor between Hyderabad and Chennai.
The initiative underlines Chennai Port Authority’s continued focus on expanding its hinterland connectivity and developing efficient multimodal logistics solutions to support India’s growing international trade.
