RITES and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of railway siding infrastructure across India, aiming to strengthen rail-based logistics and improve the movement of petroleum products.
Under the partnership, RITES will provide its expertise in railway infrastructure planning, engineering and project consultancy, while HPCL will identify opportunities at its facilities where dedicated rail connectivity can be developed or upgraded.
The proposed railway sidings are expected to improve the efficiency of cargo movement to and from HPCL’s terminals, refineries, depots and other logistics facilities. Greater use of rail could also help streamline transportation operations and provide an alternative to road-based movement.
The collaboration comes as India continues to promote rail as a more efficient and sustainable mode of freight transportation. Expanding private and industrial railway sidings can improve first- and last-mile connectivity and support the integration of industrial facilities with the national rail network.
For HPCL, stronger rail connectivity could enhance the reliability and flexibility of its supply chain, particularly for the movement of petroleum and other energy products across different regions. Improved rail infrastructure may also help optimise logistics costs and reduce dependence on road transportation.
RITES, as a leading transport infrastructure consultancy, will bring its technical and project-management capabilities to the initiative. The partnership provides an opportunity for the company to support HPCL in developing rail infrastructure suited to its operational requirements.
The MoU represents a step toward strengthening India’s industrial rail infrastructure and promoting more efficient freight movement. Further projects under the partnership are expected to be identified based on HPCL’s operational needs and infrastructure requirements across the country.
