New DP World exim rail service from Madhya Pradesh to Nhava Sheva

DP World has launched a new export-import (EXIM) rail service connecting Powarkheda, Madhya Pradesh, to the Nhava Sheva container terminal in Mumbai, strengthening the state’s direct access to global and domestic markets. The twice-weekly service operates from DP World’s Multimodal Logistics Powarkheda (DP World Powerkheda) and is designed to speed up cargo movement while reducing logistics costs and emissions.

DP World’s Powarkheda Logistics Composite Hub brings an ecosystem to customers, including spacious compliant warehouses, an inland container yard, and a dedicated rail area that allows cargo to be loaded and unloaded directly from trains. It is also equipped with a container repair facility to make the containers suitable for rice and garment cargo. The facility also includes a dedicated space for processing and manufacturing agricultural products and modern cold storage with temperature-controlled modules to support sensitive cargo such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, and agri-commodities. Together, these facilities at Powarkheda enables customers to carry out value-added services, storage, and rail movement to port from a single location, helping reduce delays, improve efficiency, and lower overall logistics costs through faster, more coordinated operations and reliable connectivity to gateway ports.

Adhendru Jain, Vice President, Rail and Inland Terminals, DP World Subcontinent, said, “Our Powarkheda hub is a game-changer for customers, especially in agri-processing and food sectors, providing seamless integration of warehousing, cold storage, and bonded logistics. Multimodal connectivity ensures efficient domestic and EXIM cargo movement, significantly cutting transit times. We currently run twice weekly services to Nhava Sheva and expect to scale to daily services based on strong customer demand. This hub not only boosts supply chain resilience but also advances sustainability, with a potential reduction in emissions of nearly 70% versus road transport. We are proud to enable faster, greener, and more reliable trade links for the region.”

Madhya Pradesh’s strategic location, combined with its Logistics Policy 2025, positions the state as an emerging trade and manufacturing powerhouse, with the sector contributing close to 19 % of GSDP in FY 2024–25. The new rail service ensures a three-day from the industrial belt — Mandideep, Bhopal, Itarsi, Narmadapuram (Hoshangabad), Pipariya, Raisen, and Sehore to India’s busiest container port.

Industries across agri-processing, chemical, food, steel, textile, stone, timber, and cement – will benefit from improved reliability, customs bonded warehousing, regulatory support and timely shipments for domestic and export markets. The facility is backed by rail capacity for more than 1,400 TEUs monthly, with flexibility to scale as demand increases.

DP World’s inland network in India includes more than 50 EXIM and domestic rail routes, over 100 owned container rakes and Special Freight Train Operator (SFTO) rakes, and more than 16,000 owned containers and trailers for last-mile delivery.