CWC Makes History with India’s First Tank Container Rake Movement

By Admin

29 Jan, 2026

A Landmark Moment in Multimodal Logistics
Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) has created a historic milestone in India’s logistics sector by successfully flagging off its first-ever tank container rake movement on the Kandla/Mundra → Ludhiana & Gajraula corridors. This pioneering initiative marks a major step forward in rail-based transportation of liquid and bulk cargo, strengthening multimodal connectivity between India’s western ports and northern industrial hubs.

The inaugural rake, specially configured to transport bulk liquids using ISO tank containers, was ceremonially dispatched from the Kandla–Mundra region. This movement sets a strong precedent for future multimodal freight operations under CWC’s expanding and modernising logistics portfolio.

Boosting Multimodal Capability
The introduction of tank container rake services reflects CWC’s strategic focus on offering integrated, cost-efficient, and environmentally sustainable logistics solutions. By leveraging rail connectivity for long-haul cargo movement, the service caters especially to industries dealing in petroleum derivatives, edible oils, and chemical products.

This rail-based solution is expected to significantly reduce transit time and overall logistics costs for movements from ports to inland destinations such as Ludhiana and Gajraula. Operating its own dedicated rake places CWC among a growing group of Indian logistics players investing in rail assets to enhance supply chain reliability and efficiency, in line with national initiatives like the National Logistics Policy and the development of Dedicated Freight Corridors.

Strategic Impact on Industry and Trade
Industry experts highlight that this initiative will greatly benefit northern India’s industrial clusters by enabling direct, high-volume movement of liquid cargo without intermediate handling. Tank containers on rail help minimise cargo handling losses, improve turnaround times, and substantially lower carbon emissions compared to conventional transport methods.

Unlike traditional bulk tank wagons, ISO tank containers provide greater flexibility and seamless intermodal interoperability, allowing cargo to move smoothly between rail, road, and port infrastructure. This evolution in freight movement supports more resilient and adaptable supply chains.

Strengthening Hinterland Connectivity
CWC’s first tank container rake movement is also expected to enhance hinterland connectivity from Gujarat’s major ports, particularly Kandla Port and Mundra Port. These ports handle a significant share of India’s cargo volumes and are critical gateways for trade flows to northern and central India.

Improved rail connectivity from these ports will support exporters and importers by enabling faster, more reliable access to inland markets, encouraging trade diversification and strengthening India’s overall logistics ecosystem.

Future Outlook
CWC has been steadily expanding its infrastructure footprint through rail-side warehouses, container freight stations, and integrated logistics services to position itself as a comprehensive supply-chain solutions provider. The successful execution of this first tank container rake movement is expected to pave the way for similar services across additional freight corridors in the coming months.

As demand grows for efficient, safe, and sustainable bulk transport solutions, CWC’s initiative signals a transformative shift in India’s rail-led multimodal logistics landscape one that aligns operational efficiency with long-term environmental and economic goals.