India’s container rail sector has sought relief measures from the government, citing a “force majeure-like” situation triggered by the ongoing Iran crisis that has severely disrupted global trade flows.
Container train operators, which play a critical role in moving export-import (EXIM) cargo between ports and inland destinations, are facing a sharp decline in volumes as the West Asia conflict continues to impact shipping routes and cargo movement.
Industry stakeholders report that the sudden drop in cargo has made it increasingly difficult to maintain viable train operations, with many services struggling to achieve the minimum load required to run efficiently.
The crisis, linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a key global shipping artery—has led to widespread uncertainty in supply chains, causing exporters and importers to delay or cancel shipments. This has directly affected rail-linked logistics, leaving rakes idle and forcing operators to run empty wagons.
The Association of Container Train Operators (ACTO) has urged the Ministry of Railways to treat the situation as a force majeure event, seeking waivers on stabling charges, haulage fees for empty wagons, and relief on storage-related costs at ports.
Operators warn that without immediate intervention, the financial strain could intensify, potentially impacting the stability of India’s rail-based logistics ecosystem. The situation remains fluid, with further disruptions expected if geopolitical tensions in the Middle East persist.