DP World launches Hyderabad’s first reefer rail freight service to Nhava Sheva

By Admin

07 Oct, 2025

Revolutionizing Cold Chain Logistics for Pharma Exporters
DP World has launched Hyderabad’s first dedicated reefer rail freight service from Thimmapur Inland Container Depot (ICD) to Nhava Sheva (JNPA) in collaboration with Ocean Network Express (ONE). This pioneering initiative marks the first-ever refrigerated rail movement from DP World Thimmapur to Nhava Sheva, offering a customized logistics solution for the region’s booming pharmaceutical export sector.

Assured Vessel Connectivity and Efficiency
By consolidating cargo in a single train, DP World ensures that the entire volume reaches the port together, perfectly synchronized with vessel schedules. This is a significant upgrade over road transport, where cargo often arrives in smaller, staggered lots, causing delays and inefficiencies. The new weekly service can carry up to 43 forty-foot containers per train, with four scheduled services per month, shifting over 172 containers from road to rail. This transition helps reduce road congestion, equivalent to removing 43 trucks from highways each day.

Precision Temperature Control and Real-Time Monitoring
Each reefer container is powered by DP World’s proprietary powerpacks, ensuring precise temperature control throughout the journey   a critical factor for preserving the efficacy and potency of pharmaceutical products. The service combines human expertise with digital innovation, deploying dedicated technicians on every train who remain digitally connected with ground teams to monitor cargo conditions in real-time.

Voices from the Industry
Adhendru Jain, Vice President – Rail and Inland Terminals, DP World Subcontinent, emphasized,
“This new reefer rail freight service provides Hyderabad’s pharmaceutical exporters with a reliable and efficient alternative to road transport. It ensures an integrated cold chain, secure cargo movement, and assured vessel connectivity, while also contributing to lower carbon emissions and a more sustainable logistics model.”

Masahiro Sakikubo, Managing Director, Ocean Network Express (India) Private Limited, added,
“Ocean Network Express India is proud to collaborate with DP World on Hyderabad’s first seamless reefer rail service. This partnership enables sustainable, dependable connections between inland production hubs and our ocean network, minimizing road delays and enhancing export efficiency. It demonstrates how rail–sea integration can strengthen India’s global trade competitiveness.”

Train Schedule

• ICD Thimmapur CY Cut-Off: Tuesday, 1800 hrs
  
  

• Train Departure from Thimmapur: Wednesday, 1000 hrs
  
  

• Train Arrival at Nhava Sheva: Saturday, 1000 hrs
  
  

A Step Toward Sustainable and Smart Logistics
The service is projected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional road transport, supporting Telangana’s multimodal logistics goals and the government’s agenda for ease of doing business. By lowering operational risks and eliminating delays, the initiative aligns with India’s push for sustainable transport networks and resilient supply chains.

Building Future-Ready Trade Routes
DP World, one of India’s largest private rail freight operators, manages eight inland terminals, over 100 container rakes, and a fleet exceeding 16,000 containers and trailers. With this new reefer service, DP World reinforces its commitment to enabling trade from India’s pharma hub, ensuring faster, cleaner, and more reliable connectivity between Hyderabad and Nhava Sheva   setting a new benchmark for the future of cold chain logistics in India.