Transporting excavators by rail is an unusual decision, but logistics company CJ Darcl recently undertook this task, moving these heavy construction machines from Chennai to Ballabgarh in Haryana on specialised rakes, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and efficiency.

A total of 34 excavators, including models from Volvo CE, Komatsu India, and Caterpillar?s India dealer Gainwell Commosales, were transported. Nikhil Agarwal, President of CJ Darcl Logistics, reportedly stated that this initiative is closely aligned with the company?s mission to incorporate eco-friendly practices into its logistics operations.

CJ Darcl, a multimodal logistics solutions provider, operates across road, rail, air, and shipping transportation verticals. Its fleet includes trucks, trailers, pullers, tippers, loaders, dumpers, and hydraulic axles, as well as nearly 1,100 shipping containers.

Agarwal mentioned that since 2007, the company has been managing cross-country railway movements of various commodities and heavy shipments for industries such as iron, steel, and glass. He noted that the recent transport of construction equipment from Chennai marks a first for the company, adding that they plan to make such rail shipments more regular in the future.

Opting for rail over road for cargo movement offers several significant advantages. Rail transport often covers shorter distances compared to road travel, particularly over long distances, and is less prone to congestion and delays, ensuring timely delivery. Additionally, rail transport is more economical for larger consignments, as trains can carry more at once, thereby reducing the cost per unit. Rail transportation charges are also generally fixed, which helps to avoid the cost fluctuations associated with road transport due to variable fuel prices and tolls.

From an environmental perspective, rail is a more sustainable mode of transport, producing less greenhouse gas emissions per tonne-kilometre compared to trucks. In summary, Agarwal pointed out that rail transport offers clients the combined benefits of cost-efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

India has the world?s second-largest road network, spanning 5.5 million kilometres, compared to 132,000 kilometres of railway lines. According to a report by RSM Astute Consulting, 58% of freight movement in the country is by road, 35% by rail, 6% by waterways, and less than 1% by air. The cost of freight movement is Rs 2.58 per tonne per kilometre by road, Rs 1.41 per tonne per kilometre by rail, and Rs 1.06 per tonne per kilometre by waterways.