Indian Railways has introduced its first container train service with guaranteed transit time between Delhi and Kolkata, marking a major step in logistics efficiency, reports New Delhi's Financial Express.

The pilot service began October 1 and will run bi-weekly, departing Wednesdays and Saturdays. The train starts from Tughlakabad in Delhi and travels through Agra and Kanpur before reaching Kolkata in 120 hours.



Operated by Container Corporation of India, the train connects four inland Container Depots: Tughlakabad (TICD), Agra (ICDY), Kanpur (ICDG), and Kolkata (CTKR/CTCS).



A senior railway official said the service aims to improve reliability and predictability in freight movement. The guaranteed delivery time is expected to benefit time-sensitive cargo and support supply chain planning.



The route includes hub-and-spoke cargo facilities at Kanpur and Agra, allowing efficient cargo aggregation from surrounding regions and expanding the service's reach.



The Railway Board said the initiative reflects Indian Railways commitment to modernising freight operations and enhancing competitiveness in the logistics sector.