The arrangement envisages deployment of two dedicated vessels. CONCOR, in addition to first mile and last mile connectivity, will arrange port handling and coastal transportation of loaded/empty containers and bulk/break-bulk cargo between Kandla port and Tuticorin port via Mangalore port and Cochin port. As a part of overall strategy of expansion and entry into new areas of business that would complement CONCOR’s position as a multimodal logistics service provider, CONCOR has commenced coastal operations from January 10.

 

Goyal lauded the CONCOR and the shipping ministry for this joint venture and said, “The railways have introduced many new reforms in the last four and a half years. This is another first in the series of reforms. For instance, we have stopped producing the old model of coaches and started producing only LHB coaches, to eventually replace all old coaches. The joint efforts of the ministry of road and railways have led to the inauguration of the Bogibeel bridge by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently. The Rail University, having now been started, is preparing more than the 100 student for the transport sector.”

 

He said CONCOR which started its operation with seven terminals, today has 81 terminals. He said the goal is that CONCOR should operate from over 100 terminals by next year. The minister envisaged CONCOR developing itself as a ‘Ratn’ for New India.

 

Gadkari said, “It’s a red flag day in the history of transportation in India. I am glad to see this modal shift in the logistics chain.  The combination of railways and coastal shipping is a win-win situation for both modes as this will release capacity for railways to carry others goods and facilitate more commodities like steel, cement, and other general cargo to be transported through coastal trade, thereby enhancing the coastal trade basket.”