Ernakulam: The Thiruvananthapuram Division, Southern Railway, has sought expressions of interest to develop rail-linked cargo facilities on railway land, including warehouses, cold storage, and e-commerce logistics. The initiative developed by the Commercial Branch aims to improve the storage, handling and distribution of goods and help businesses and producers make greater use of rail transport.
The facilities could consolidate smaller consignments for onward movement and improve connections between production centres, railway freight terminals, and markets. Depending on demand and feasibility, the facilities may include warehouses, cold storage for perishable goods, and small storage and order-processing centres for e-commerce. Sorting, grading, packaging and labelling services may also be provided. Cold storage, if developed, could help keep perishable goods fresh and reduce spoilage.
Angamali and Karukutty Railway Stations in Ernakulam District have been identified as initial locations for assessment. An indicative area of 4,400 sq. m at Angamali and 3,240 sq. m at Karukutty has been identified. Interested developers may indicate how much land they require, without seeking the entire area. The final area and suitability of each site will be confirmed at the tender stage.
The Expression of Interest seeks inputs from prospective developers on the facilities they propose, their investment plans and expected cargo movement. The framework provides for development and operation by selected private entities at their own cost and risk, with a proposed licence period of 25 years. Applicable land charges and minimum railway freight commitments would form part of the terms.
The initiative is aligned with Indian Railways’ policy for Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals and Cargo Related Facilities. It aims to improve first- and last-mile connectivity—moving goods from producers to railway freight terminals and from terminals to their final destinations. It also seeks to make freight movement smoother by linking rail with road and other modes of transport.