Has Indian Railways Launched Niryat Cargo Express from Gurugram to Mundra Port?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Niryat Cargo Express launched to enhance export logistics.
- Service connects Gurugram to Mundra Port.
- Aims to reduce logistics costs and delays for exporters.
- Government support through an Export Promotion Mission.
- Focus on MSMEs and labour-intensive sectors.
New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) Indian Railways has reached a significant milestone in freight logistics with the launch of the Niryat Cargo Express, an export-centric transit service designed for assured delivery, as announced on Friday.
The double-stack container train commenced its journey from the Ichhapuri Container Terminal in Gurugram to Mundra Port in Gujarat. Previously, 20 trips of this assured transit service were conducted from Garhi, Gurugram, according to a statement released by the Railways Ministry.
“This is the first time such a scheduled train is operating from Ichhapuri, Gurugram. This assured, time-sensitive weekly service aims to assist exporters by ensuring quicker, dependable, and predictable transportation of goods to Mundra Port, thereby minimizing delays and logistics expenditures,” the ministry stated.
Additionally, the Delhi Division of Northern Railway has enhanced assured freight services for exporters.
The train operates as a crack train, meaning it has minimal stops and uninterrupted movement, facilitating faster transit and on-time deliveries, which is especially beneficial for high-value export cargo.
In a related development, the government has recently approved an Export Promotion Mission with a total budget of Rs 25,060 crore for the fiscal years 2025-26 to 2030-31. This initiative aims to consolidate support for exports and boost competitiveness, particularly for MSMEs and labour-intensive industries.
By integrating fiscal incentives, financial facilitation, digital governance, and regulatory flexibility into a cohesive mission-mode framework, the government has established a robust platform to improve India’s standing in global trade.
Two sub-schemes under this mission, Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha, will be operational.
Niryat Protsahan is focused on enhancing access to affordable trade financing for MSME exporters, offering interest subvention, export factoring, deep-tier financing, and credit cards for e-commerce exporters.
On the other hand, Niryat Disha aims to boost market readiness and competitive edge through support for export quality and compliance, international branding, packaging assistance, participation in trade fairs and buyer-seller meetings, as well as export warehousing and logistics.
The government has also broadened the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE), providing an additional Rs 20,000 crore in support, backed by a 100% government guarantee to lending institutions. Furthermore, the RBI has announced various measures, including a moratorium on repayments and extending the tenure of export credit to 450 days.