Hyderabad, May 2 (TNT): South Central Railways (SCR) General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava flagged off an inaugural refrigerated container (reefer) rake, branded as “Aushadhi Express,” from Inland Container Depot (ICD), Sanatnagar here on Saturday, marking a major step in strengthening cold-chain logistics for pharmaceutical transport.
The service, operated by Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR) in association with Maersk Line, will run up to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP), SCR said in a release here.
CONCOR Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Swarup and senior railway officials including Ms. K. Padmaja, PCOM/SCR, Ms. Ity Pandey, PCCM/SCR, R. Gopalakrishnan, DRM, Secunderabad Division, Senior Railway, CONCOR & Maersk officials, logistics partners, and key stakeholders were present on the the occasion.
The “Aushadhi Express” is specially designed for transporting life-saving medicines and other temperature-sensitive cargo.
The consignment is carried in advanced refrigerated containers equipped with diesel power packs to ensure uninterrupted cooling throughout the journey.
Officials said the initiative would significantly strengthen cold-chain connectivity and improve efficiency in India’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
The partnership with Maersk, which is providing high-quality reefer containers, is expected to enhance logistics capabilities at ICD Sanatnagar.
Hyderabad, widely regarded as India’s “Pharma Capital,” houses major pharmaceutical hubs such as Genome Valley, Jeedimetla, Patancheru, and Mucherla.
The Hyderabad–JNPT corridor plays a crucial role in connecting these industrial zones with one of the country’s busiest ports.
Railway authorities said the introduction of dedicated reefer rake services would reduce transit time, lower logistics costs, and improve supply chain reliability for exporters and domestic distributors.
It is also expected to minimise wastage, improve price realisation, and open new opportunities for pharmaceutical exporters.
The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision under PM Gati Shakti to promote efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly freight transportation systems.
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