In a first-of-its kind initiative, SCR moves Bulk Cement in Specialized Tank Containers and Containers with Liner Bags

In a first-of-its kind initiative which is likely to be game changer in the transportation of Bulk cement, South Central Railways has loaded Bulk Cement in Specialised Tank containers and Containers with Liner Bags. The first rake has been loaded from M/s Bharathi Cements siding in Yerraguntla of Andhra Pradesh to Irugur and Tondiarpet in Tamil Nadu. The container rake is being moved as a single rake consisting of 30 specialized tank containers (each having a capacity of approximately 26 tonnes) and 50 Containers with Liner Bags (each having a capacity of approximately 27 tonnes).

Bulk Cement dispatch roughly constitutes around 25% of the total cement production of nearly 350 million tonnes. This traffic is predominantly transported currently through non-rail modes of transport. With the introduction of these specialised containers, there is huge potential for railways to tap this significant traffic to its freight basket. 

Previously, bulk cement by rail was being done through privately owned wagons (BCCW & BCFC type), which required huge investment in terms of unloading terminals and silos. However, transportation through these specialized containers obviates such necessity and has several additional advantages. They can be easily moved from Rail to Lorry flats and vice-versa. The specialized tank containers can be moved to any of the customer premises, giving flexibility to the customer while also avoiding the need for dedicated Railway siding. They can be unloaded by mechanized Reach stackers at any of the Goods sheds without creating any additional unloading infrastructure and Silos. The specialized tank containers would give the flexibility for movement by Rail, Road or Ship. Movement by railways is also cost-effective and environment-friendly means of transportation.

The first rake was virtually flagged-off by Sanjay Kumar Mohanty, Member Operations & Business Development, Railway Board from New Delhi.  R. Dhananjayulu, Principal Chief Operations Manager, SCR, John Prasad, Principal Chief Commercial Manager, SCR along with their team participated in flagging-off of the first rake from Yerraguntla.

On this Occasion, Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager (In-Charge), South Central Railways said that loading of bulk cement in Specialized Containers is a win-win situation to both the Cement Producers and Railways. While it provides a cost-effective, flexible and fast transportation option for the Cement producers, it opens up a new stream of traffic for Railways. He said that, conscious efforts are being taken up by the Railways to meet the requirement of industry so that best possible transportation options are made available to them.