Rail Corridor Logistics

Rail Freight Services

The complete guide to intermodal rail corridors, dedicated freight corridors (DFC), railway liabilities, and dry port customs clearances.

Inland & Intermodal Rail Freight Solutions

Rail freight offers a highly reliable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective transit option for heavy volumes. At Scan2Freight, we coordinate rail logistics connecting Ludhiana's major Inland Container Depots (ICDs) directly to India's premier gateway seaports.

With the commissioning of India's Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC), our intermodal rail solutions allow double-stack container block trains to bypass congested highway corridors, significantly streamlining cargo movement for volume exporters.

Dry Port Rail Corridor Staging & Connectivity

Connecting ICD Ludhiana (Dhandari Kalan) via dedicated container flatcar trains (Concor) directly to sea terminal docks:

Target Gateway Port	Rail Corridor Route	Approx. Distance	Service Connectivity
Mundra Port (Gujarat)	Western DFC Link (Rewari - Mundra)	1,150 km	Dedicated DFC Rake Dispatch
Pipavav Port (Gujarat)	Western DFC Trunk Corridor	1,250 km	Direct Rail Link Service
Nhava Sheva (JNPT Mumbai)	Central-Western DFC Link	1,450 km	Regular Port Feeder Express
Kolkata Port (West Bengal)	Eastern DFC Route (Ludhiana - Dankuni)	1,650 km	Eastern Corridor Connection

India's Dedicated Freight Corridors (Western & Eastern DFC)

The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) operates exclusive tracks separating freight trains from passenger rail traffic:

Double-Stack Containers: DFC tracks feature taller overhead electric cables, allowing train flatcars to carry double-stacked containers, doubling capacity.
Optimized Speeds: DFC routes support reliable and continuous train transits compared to traditional mixed tracks, ensuring strict arrival schedules.
Heavier Axle Loads: Upgraded tracks support up to 25-ton axle loads, allowing heavier industrial steel and minerals to be loaded per car.

Inland Rail Transport Incoterms 2020

For domestic and cross-border rail shipping, we handle transaction responsibilities under these specific terms:

FCA (Free Carrier) - ICD

Seller clears export customs and hands the container over to the railway authority at ICD Ludhiana. Buyer assumes subsequent rail freight costs and risks.

CPT (Carriage Paid To) - Seaport

Seller organizes intermodal rail freight to transport the container to Mundra/Mumbai port docks. Risk transfers to the buyer once the container is loaded onto the train at ICD.

Rail Carrier Liabilities & Indian Railways Act 1989

Rail transport on Indian Railways networks is subject to the provisions of the Railways Act 1989. Rail Consignment Notes (Railway Receipts - RR) are issued under two liability types:

Owner's Risk Rate (OR): Lower freight tariff. Shippers assume all cargo damage risk, and the railway administration is only liable if negligence or misconduct is proven.
Railway Risk Rate (RR): Standard freight tariff. The railway administration assumes total liability for loss, damage, or delivery delays, acting as a common carrier.

Dry Port ICD Clearances & Customs Brokerage

To ensure rapid customs processing at Dry Port Inland Container Depots (ICDs) before train loading, we compile:

Shipping Bills & LEO: Electronic customs clearing, physical container checks, seal verification, and recording the Let Export Order (LEO) directly at ICD Ludhiana.
Railway Receipt (RR) Processing: Coordinating wagon allocations and customs clearances with the railway administration.
ECTS Border Seals: Applying electronic cargo tracking seals for cross-border rail links to Nepal or Bangladesh.

Rail Freight FAQ

What is a Railway Receipt (RR)?

The Railway Receipt (RR) is the official receipt of cargo issued by the railway administration confirming that the goods have been loaded for transit. It serves as a document of title required to claim cargo at the destination terminal.

What is double-stacking in rail container logistics?

Double-stacking involves stacking two standard ISO cargo containers on top of each other on a single railway flatcar. This is made possible by raised overhead electric power cables along India's Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC).

Do you coordinate rail transit to Nepal?

Yes, we coordinate rail shipping via the Raxaul / Birgunj border rail link, moving container cargo directly from Indian ports (Kolkata/Visakhapatnam) to the Birgunj dry port terminal in Nepal.

Optimize Your Supply Chain with Rail Logistics

Speak to our intermodal experts to seamlessly link ICD operations with direct port block trains.