In a significant policy shift aimed at enhancing parcel revenue and improving logistics efficiency, Indian Railways has permitted the trans-shipment of goods from one train to another at select stations across the country. The move is expected to substantially reduce transit times for traders, small businesses, and e-commerce companies.
As per new guidelines issued by the Railway Board, the facility of trans-shipment — the transfer of consignments between dedicated parcel trains and leased parcel vans — will now be allowed at specifically notified stations. The reform overturns the earlier restriction that prohibited reloading parcels onto different trains, a rule that often led to delays and operational bottlenecks for merchants.
The decision is designed to streamline the supply chain, particularly for time-sensitive and perishable goods. By enabling parcel interchange at identified hubs, the Railways aims to provide seamless connectivity between routes, even in cases where direct train services are unavailable.
In an official communication, the Northern Railway’s Jammu Division stated that the primary objective of the initiative is to promote ease of doing business. The policy is expected to lower logistics costs by cutting delivery timelines and offering a competitive alternative to road transport, especially for smaller and remote stations.
Highlighting the operational advantages, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the reform would significantly reduce transit delays caused by the absence of direct connectivity. With trans-shipment now permitted at designated stations, multiple routes can be interconnected more efficiently, ensuring faster and safer delivery of consignments.
The reform is being viewed as a potential game-changer for small traders, the agricultural sector, and the rapidly growing e-commerce industry, facilitating quicker movement of goods across the country while strengthening the Railways’ role in India’s logistics ecosystem.
