DP World unveils new rail link connecting Gujarat and Kolkata

DP World, one of India’s leading private rail freight operators, has introduced two new domestic rail services linking Bhimasar and Hazira in Gujarat with Kolkata, West Bengal. The services aim to speed up cargo movement between western manufacturing hubs and key eastern trade centres, supporting the Make in India initiative and the government’s PM Gati Shakti programme.

The Bhimasar–Kolkata service will run twice a month with a transit time of eight days and a capacity of 90 TEUs. The Hazira–Kolkata service will also operate twice monthly, offering a seven‑day transit time with the same capacity. Eastbound cargo on these routes will primarily include edible oils, chemicals, steel, industrial goods, food grains, and salt.

Gujarat is a cornerstone of India’s manufacturing landscape, home to 182 industrial estates, 21 Special Economic Zones, over 800 large industries, and more than 450,000 MSMEs. The state is a major player in sectors including chemicals, petrochemicals, dairy, cement, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, gems & jewellery, textiles, and engineering. Kolkata, on the other hand, plays a pivotal role in international trade, particularly in exports related to leather, textiles, and tea, and serves as a key logistics gateway to East and Northeast India.

These developments are part of DP World’s ongoing investment of ₹1,800 crore ($207 million) in expanding its rail freight capabilities in India. The company operates a robust rail network powered by more than 100 owned container rakes and over 16,000 containers and trailers, offering faster, cleaner, and more dependable cargo solutions.

DP World’s container terminal at Mundra is already a key node in facilitating Gujarat’s global trade connectivity. The upcoming 2.19 million TEU terminal at Tuna Tekra will further bolster multimodal logistics capabilities across the region.

The company’s integrated logistics ecosystem spans seven inland terminals, a 15,000-pincode express cargo network, over 5 million sq. ft. of warehousing space, three Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZs), and comprehensive freight forwarding solutions—ensuring seamless cargo movement across ports, rail, air, and hinterland markets.