Indian Railways has inaugurated its first integrated logistics hub at Sonik, introducing innovative door-to-door freight services aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and reducing logistics costs for industries and farmers alike. Strategically located between Lucknow and Kanpur, the hub is managed by the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) and is positioned to serve as a key node in India’s growing freight and supply chain network.

The Sonik hub offers comprehensive logistics solutions, including warehousing, inventory management, and distribution facilities, handling diverse cargo ranging from fertilizers and food grains to cement and tractors. By enabling businesses to transport containers directly from origin to destination, the hub provides flexibility that eliminates the need for full-rake shipments, cutting costs and transit times significantly.

Two new services were launched alongside the hub. The first is a bi-weekly assured transit container train connecting Delhi and Kolkata via Agra and Kanpur, guaranteeing delivery within 120 hours, with flexible booking options through CONCOR’s mobile app. The second leverages railway parcel vans for door-to-door transport between Mumbai and Kolkata, already serving leading brands such as Castrol India, VIP Industries, Godrej, and Nestle, achieving a 7.5 percent reduction in logistics costs and nearly 30 percent faster transit compared to road transport.

The initiative aligns with Indian Railways’ Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals program, which has developed 115 multimodal terminals across the country. Plans are underway to expand affordable transport services for agricultural and construction equipment, including tractors and JCBs, further supporting farmers and the construction sector.

By transforming freight operations from basic cargo movement into end-to-end logistics solutions, Indian Railways is reinforcing its position as a key enabler of India’s economic growth, offering faster, more efficient, and cost-effective supply chain services for businesses and farmers nationwide.