From Adani to Tata Steel, six companies to run own freight wagons

Six companies may soon have their own wagons, out of the fleet of Indian Railways, specially dedicated to freight movements.

According to multiple sources, the proposals by these companies — Adani Group, JSW Cement, Jindal Steel and Power, Tata Steel, Rashmi Cement, and Orissa Metaliks — under the general-purpose wagons scheme have been cleared by the railway ministry. 

Of the 40 rakes cleared so far, 28 per cent or 11 wagons are allotted to Gautam Adani-led Adani Logistics, while TM International Logistics — a joint venture between Tata Steel, NYK Holding (Europe) and IQ Martrade — has received nine rakes. The government has got proposals for around 126 rakes.  

Earlier, there were schemes for private investment in special wagons and container train operators. The fleet assigned for such schemes were part of Indian Railways only.   However, in this case, it will be completely owned by the companies. The scheme was launched on April 26 this year. 

“This will be an answer to the concerns raised by sectors such as steel, iron ore, and cement regarding non-availability of rakes. We are expecting more companies to come up with their proposals,” said a person close to the development.