JNPT starts Dwarf Containers Train Service

• 21 Sep 2021

On 20^th September 2021, the dwarf container train service started from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).

• With this, the first consignment of laden Dwarf containers from Dwarf container depot (DCD) at the port was moved by train to ICD Kanpur.
• The Indian Railways introduced first commercial service to run double-stack dwarf containers on trains in 2018 and the first freight train was flagged off on July 7 from Western Railway's Rajkot railway station.

Benefits of Dwarf Containers

• Cost Advantage: Rail movement of EXIM cargo through double stacked dwarf containers would offer competitive cost advantage to the EXIM community, resulting in an increase in port cargo traffic via rail route.
• Logistical Edge: The ‘Dwarf Containers’ are lesser in height by 660 mm than normal ISO containers, giving them a logistical edge.
• More Reach: The Low height of dwarf container loaded on trailers can pass through rural, semi urban and urban roads, through limited height subways & level crossing in electrified sections.
• Carry More Volume: The ‘Dwarf’ containers provide a 67% increase in volume when double-stacked and can carry a weight of 71 tons, against 40 tons by an ISO container.
• Discount: Indian Railways has offered 17% discount on haulage cost compared to double stack ISO container trains, resulting in an overall 33% discount to shippers making Indian Railways competitive.

Thus, the rail movement of cargo through Dwarf containers has the potential to lower the EXIM logistics costs, making Indian exports globally competitive.