First Arkas Line Reefer Block Train from MMLP Dadri to JNPT Marks New Era in Cold Chain Logistics
MUMBAI: In a significant development for India’s logistics and EXIM trade sector, the first Arkas Line Reefer Block Train to Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mumbai, was successfully flagged off from the Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) Dadri on May 9, 2026. The landmark initiative has been launched through a strategic collaboration between Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), Arkas Line, and Parekh Marine Agencies.
The dedicated reefer train service has been introduced to provide seamless and temperature-controlled transportation connectivity for perishable EXIM cargo between North India and gateway ports. The service is expected to significantly strengthen cold chain logistics infrastructure while enhancing export-import efficiency for time-sensitive cargo.
By leveraging the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), the initiative aims to ensure faster transit, operational reliability, and enhanced cargo safety. The direct rail connectivity from the hinterland to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) is expected to reduce transit time substantially and offer exporters a dependable logistics solution for refrigerated cargo movement.
According to the stakeholders involved, the reefer block train service will help optimize cargo volumes through efficient utilization of the railway network while simultaneously promoting sustainable logistics practices. The shift toward rail-based transportation is also expected to reduce the overall carbon footprint, supporting India’s green logistics and decarbonization objectives.
The initiative is being viewed as a major boost for exporters from North India, especially those dealing in perishable commodities requiring uninterrupted cold chain connectivity. The newly launched service is expected to create a specialized and robust “Cold Link” connecting Indian exporters to global markets through efficient multimodal logistics integration.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the development, highlighting its potential to improve supply chain resilience, reduce logistics costs, and enhance India’s competitiveness in international trade.
On the occasion of the inaugural flag-off, CONCOR expressed gratitude to its customers and stakeholders for their continued support and emphasized its commitment to strengthening India’s logistics ecosystem through innovative and sustainable freight solutions.
The launch of the first Arkas Line Reefer Block Train represents another important step toward modernizing India’s multimodal logistics network and advancing the country’s vision of efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive trade infrastructure.
