Central Railway launches first automobile freight service from Bhigwan goods shed

Each rake is expected to generate freight revenue between Rs 16 lakh and Rs 22 lakh. Pic/ Special Arrangement

The Solapur Division of Central Railway has commenced automobile loading operations from Bhigwan Goods Shed, marking the addition of a new freight stream aimed at expanding rail-based logistics and revenue generation.

The first New Modified Goods (NMG) rake carrying automobiles was flagged off on July 19, transporting vehicles from Bhigwan to B.R. Transcon Limited Goods Cargo Terminal in Kamrup district, Assam, under the Rangiya Division of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).

26 automobile freight bookings already registered

The division said 26 indents for automobile loading through NMG rakes have already been registered from Bhigwan to destinations across the country, reflecting strong demand for the new freight service.

The registered destinations include:

Fatuha (Bihar)
Raipur (Chhattisgarh)
Farakhnagar (Haryana)
Chitpur (West Bengal)
Mandideep (Madhya Pradesh)
Hatia (Jharkhand)
Kankariya, Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
Okhla (Delhi)

According to Central Railway, each rake is expected to generate freight revenue between Rs 16 lakh and Rs 22 lakh.

Bhigwan Goods Shed expands freight portfolio

Officials said the launch of automobile loading marks another milestone in transforming Bhigwan Goods Shed into a multi-purpose freight terminal.

The handling line, which was initially used exclusively for ballast handling, was opened to commercial freight customers in May 2024.

Following the expansion, coal unloading began in May 2024, while iron bar unloading commenced in January 2026.

To support increasing freight operations, the division also developed the circulating area and approach road, improving infrastructure and providing easier access for freight customers.

Customer-focused initiative

The initiative was undertaken under the guidance of the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Solapur, with coordinated efforts from the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr DCM), Senior Divisional Operations Manager (Sr DOM), the Business Development Unit (BDU) and commercial and operations officials from Bhigwan and Kurduvadi.

Boost to rail logistics

Central Railway said the introduction of automobile loading reflects the Solapur Division's continued efforts to diversify its freight portfolio, improve customer convenience and create new revenue opportunities through proactive business development.

The division added that the initiative aligns with Indian Railways' vision of increasing freight market share by strengthening rail-based logistics, expanding freight infrastructure and providing efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable transport solutions across the country.