MODINAGAR: Arkas Line, represented by Parekh Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. (Parekh Global), has flagged off the first refrigerated container (reefer) block train from DP World-operated Inland Container Depot (ICD) Modinagar in Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in India’s temperature-controlled logistics and multimodal transportation network.
The first-of-its-kind service from ICD Modinagar is aimed at strengthening the movement of temperature-sensitive and perishable cargo from North India to gateway ports through integrated rail and port logistics operations. The initiative represents an important step towards expanding dedicated reefer transportation capabilities and improving export-import (EXIM) connectivity for businesses handling refrigerated cargo.
Operating via the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), the dedicated reefer block train offers a rail-based transportation solution designed to support faster, more reliable and efficient cargo movement under controlled temperature conditions. The service also highlights the importance of coordinated cold chain infrastructure, specialised container handling and seamless connectivity between inland logistics facilities and seaports.
The milestone builds on Arkas Line’s continued efforts to expand its reefer rail operations in India. In May this year, Arkas Line (Parekh Global) successfully flagged off three reefer block trains from three inland container depots on May 8, 9 and 11. Earlier, on August 16 last year, the company successfully operated a double-stack reefer block train from Dadri to Mundra, demonstrating the potential of rail-based refrigerated cargo transportation.
These initiatives reflect the growing confidence of reefer customers in Arkas Line’s logistics capabilities and underscore the importance of close coordination among rail operators, ICD infrastructure providers, reefer cargo-handling teams, vessel planners and port authorities. Such integration is essential to ensuring the timely and seamless movement of temperature-sensitive cargo from inland production and distribution centres to international markets.
The expanded use of dedicated reefer trains also supports efforts to improve logistics efficiency, strengthen supply chain reliability and encourage greater use of rail transportation for long-distance cargo movement. By integrating refrigerated container services with established rail corridors and port networks, Arkas Line and Parekh Marine are contributing to the development of a more connected and efficient cold chain ecosystem in India.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Mr. Tumay Ulutas, Country Head, Arkas Line; Mr. Kaushik Datta Sharma, CEO – Liner Division; and Mr. Rajat Pathak, Regional Head – North India, Parekh Global.
The initiative reinforces the shared commitment of Arkas Line and Parekh Marine to operational excellence, dependable logistics solutions, sustainable transportation and the continued development of India’s multimodal logistics and temperature-controlled supply chain infrastructure.
