Chennai Division’s green freight revolution

A. Elumalai, Public Relations Officer, Chennai Division (Southern Railway)

In a unique blend of sustainable transport solutions, the Chennai Division of Southern Railway has achieved a remarkable milestone—shipping electric auto rickshaws by train to their destination.

On 15th September 2025, the division successfully dispatched its first consignment of Montra Electric auto rickshaws from Tada Railway Station to Rangapani Station in Katihar Division (Northeast Frontier Railway), covering a journey of over 2,000 kilometers.

A LANDMARK CONSIGNMENT WITH BIG NUMBERS

This wasn’t just a routine freight movement. The shipment, comprising 25 NMG wagons carrying the three-wheelers manufactured by the Murugappa Group, marks a significant shift in how electric vehicles (EVs) can be transported across the country. Managed by logistics partner M/s. I P Integrated Services Pvt. Ltd, this initiative is as financially promising as it is environmentally conscious. Each such rake movement brings inRs. 18.75 lakhs in revenue, and with eight rakes projected for the current financial year, this new traffic stream is expected to contribute nearly Rs.1.5 crores to the division’s earnings.

WHY RAIL MAKES SENSE FOR EVs

Moving EVs by train isn’t just a logistical decision—it’s a statement. Rail transport ensures: n Lower Carbon Emissions: Significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to long-haul road transportation. n Safer Transit: Enhanced safety and reduced risk of damage for high-value electric vehicles. n Efficiency: Faster and more reliable long-distance movement, avoiding road congestion and weather disruptions. This initiative perfectly aligns with the national goals of promoting electric mobility and sustainable logistics.

TADA: THE EMERGING FREIGHT HUB

The successful execution of this shipment also highlights the growing importance of Tada Railway Station as a key freight hub in the northern part of Chennai Division. Earlier dispatches of ISUZU cars and Kobelco excavators from the same station reinforce its strategic role in attracting industrial freight traffic away from congested road networks.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: GREEN FREIGHT FOR A GREENER FUTURE

This initiative is a win-win for both the economy and the environment. It diversifies the freight portfolio of Indian Railways while supporting the country’s transition to cleaner transportation. As more industries recognize the benefits of rail logistics, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in building a sustainable and efficient supply chain ecosystem. Chennai Division’s effort is more than just a freight movement—it’s a signal that the future of logistics is electric, efficient, and on the right track.