RAILWAY MINISTER FLAGGED OFF THE AUTOMOBILE FREIGHT TRAIN

Shri D.V. Sadanada Gowda, Hon’ble Union Minister of Railways flagged off the Freight train o­n 07.11.2014 in a function held at Melpakkam.  Speaking o­n the occasion he said, he is happy to participate in the historic function and the freight traffic will be double by 2019. He congratulated the APL Logistics VASCOR who have joint venture in transportation and finish the vehicles through train.  He further said the Ministry of Railways would provide all support to make this venture successfully.   

Briefing media, the Minister said, Dedicated Freight Corridors between Sone Nagar to Ludhiana and Ludhiana to JNPT/Mumbai, are being developed.

The Ministry of Railways would encourage Private Players in Transportation of Cargo in non-traditional Cargo.  This rake is designed by RDSO and this is the first time in South India. He further said, the train carrying 300 cars of various car companies viz. Honda, Nissan, etc.

Rail-based solution serves India’s growing automotive sector

AutoLinx^SM was officially launched today at Melpakkam near Chennai with the flag off of its first train service by India’s Minister of Railways Shri D. V. Sadananda Gowda. The ceremony was attended by representatives from Indian Railways, local city and government officials, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and rail terminal operators.

The formal operations of AutoLinx^SM and offer India’s automotive market specialist solutions to solve their unique supply chain challenges,” said Bill Villalon, Global Vertical Leader, Automotive – SVP for APL Logistics and Chairman of the joint venture. “Our customers tell us they value the efficiency, security and reliability that this innovative rail solution offers for the distribution of finished vehicles across India.”

“Ford India welcomes the introduction of rail transport for finished vehicle distribution in India by APL Logistics VASCOR Automotive and is excited to be part of this innovative solution. Transition towards multi-modal logistics solutions is key to driving and sustaining the high growth automobile industry in India,” said Amlan Bose, Vice President APA Logistics at Ford India. “Ford India congratulates the APL Logistics VASCOR team for their tenacity and hard work in launching this project and wishes them great success in future.”

Honda Cars says it is happy the alternative transportation that is taking shape will help reduce the pollution and congestion o­n the roads. Carrying approximately 280 finished vehicles, the first train left Melpakkam and is expected to arrive at the multi-modal logistics park of Container Corporation of India at Khatuwas near Delhi next week. “The launch of AutoLinx^SM is a significant milestone for India’s automotive sector and APL Logistics VASCOR Automotive. This unique door-to-door service covers the entire supply chain for our customers – from assembly line to distribution center to dealership floor.,” said Bill Garrett, CEO of the joint venture as well as President and CEO of VASCOR Ltd. “AutoLinx^SM helps OEMs reduce the environmental impact of their supply chains and eases the pressure o­n India’s road infrastructure by moving freight via rail.” 

AutoLinx^SM currently runs fortnightly between Chennai and New Delhi. Service frequency will be increased and more destinations added to the network in the coming months.

Trial runs were conducted in close collaboration with four automotive OEMs: Ford, Honda, Hyundai, and Renault-Nissan. The trials, which began in September, focused o­n the service corridor between Chennai and Delhi, and involved the handling, movement, and delivery of more than 1100 finished vehicles. 

APL Logistics VASCOR Automotive is the first third-party logistics provider to offer rail-based services under the Automobile Freight Train Operator (AFTO) license administered by Indian Railways. With the AFTO licence, logistics service providers can help to facilitate bulk movement of automotive traffic by rail from the production hubs to consumer centres, as well as ports for export.

Speaking o­n the occasion Shri D.P. Pandey, Member Traffic, Railway Board, said Indian Railways have been running automobile rakes either through Railway’s investment or by disjointed private investment.  However, after the announcement of the new policy by the Ministry of Railways, interest has arisen in acquiring rakes and registering as an Auto Freight Transport Operator.  This is the first rake to be run in South India through private investment by a firm of international repute in supply chain management in auto sector and has market expertise in finished vehicle logistics.

Indian Railways has framed a policy of automobile freight terminal operator, which has encouraged private investment for Indian Railways in automobile sector.  Indian Railways may require almost 100 rakes by the year 2020 even if it carries o­nly 25% of the finished vehicle through rail.

It is time that Automobile hubs are made operational across the country to encourage manufacturers, transporters, logistics players and ancillary units to develop encourage automobile transportation.

Shri R. Manohar, Additional General Manager, Southern Railway and Senior railway officers were participated in the function.