India's First Specialised Salt Container Train: Shivlakha-Mithapur Service Carries 35.5 Tonnes Per Container, Cuts Logistics Costs by About 11%

Indian Railways' first specialised salt container train between Shivlakha in Kutch and Mithapur uses lightweight stainless-steel containers loaded from the top and unloaded from the side, protecting salt from rain and moisture. Terminal officials cite 35.5 tonnes per container against 28-30 tonnes earlier and estimated logistics savings of around 11 per cent. The service was flagged off on September 15.

Awaaz Punjab Investigations Desk24 October 20263 min readRead in all 3 languages

Indian Railways' first specialised salt container train, running between the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal at Shivlakha in Gujarat's Kutch district and Mithapur, is drawing attention for a purpose-built design that protects salt from moisture, carries more per container and cuts logistics costs, IANS reported on Saturday. The service was flagged off on September 15, and officials and industry representatives described its operating benefits in reports published on October 24.

Source: IANS via AsiaPost

The train uses specially designed lightweight stainless-steel containers that are loaded from the top and unloaded from the side, IANS reported. The stainless-steel structure protects the salt from rain and moisture during transit — a long-standing problem when salt moved in conventional open wagons — and helps achieve a balance between container weight and salt volume so a larger quantity can be carried.

Source: IANS via AsiaPost

35.5 tonnessalt per specialised container, vs about 28-30 tonnes earlier

~11%estimated logistics savings cited by terminal officials

Sep 15service flagged off from Shivlakha terminal

Shivlakha to Mithapurroute in Kutch, Gujarat

Each container can carry 35.5 tonnes of salt, compared with approximately 28-30 tonnes previously, terminal head Mohammed Arshad said, according to India Seatrade News, which reported estimated logistics savings of around 11 per cent. Ahmedabad Divisional Railway Manager Ved Prakash said the containers have two openings at the top for loading and a side-opening mechanism for unloading, and can be lifted onto trailers for onward road transport.

Source: India Seatrade News

Maritime Gateway reported that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the salt-loaded service on September 15 alongside the inauguration of the Shivlakha terminal. Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce president Tejabhai Kangad said the stainless-steel-coated containers could prevent moisture-related damage and preserve salt quality, India Seatrade News reported. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi praised the initiative on X as a transformative step in salt transportation, IANS reported.

Source: Maritime Gateway

Sources: IANS via AsiaPost, October 24, 2026; Nation Press, October 24, 2026; Maritime Gateway, October 24, 2026; and India Seatrade News, reporting terminal and railway officials. The September 15 flag-off date is stated in the IANS and Maritime Gateway reports.

Source: IANS via AsiaPost