RZD Logistics has launched a new multimodal container service from Russia to India combining rail and ocean modes of transportation.
The service is routed by the North – South international transport corridor via the territory of Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran and India.
The first block train departed from the rail station of Chekhov in Moscow region, the cargo is expected to reach the port of destination Nhava Sheva in India in 35-37 days.
According to Dmitry Murev, CEO of RZD Logistics, shippers are getting increasingly interested in the North- South corridor. Russian Railways report a 26% year-on-year growth in freight flow by the corridor.
The North – South transport corridor has a good potential for such commodities as agriproducts, timber and logs, industrial materials, raw materials, mineral and chemical fertilizers, and for expanding trade with new promising markets not only in India and the Persian Gulf, but also in Africa.
‘We have launched a test shipment by the east branch of this transport corridor and are prepared to make the service regular and take an active part in developing this route,’ Murev said.