INDIA'S RAIL FREIGHT REVIVAL Greener, Cheaper, Smarter

VIVEK LOHIA of Jupiter Wagons on the shift in India's rail freight, and how it promises economic gains, sustainability, and logistics efficiency

- As told to Ashish Sinha

On why rail is central to India's logistics future
Rail is inherently more efficient, scalable, and sustainable than road transport, emitting 75–90 per cent less CO2 per ton km and consuming far less fuel. While roads dominate due to flexibility and faster turnarounds, rail offers significantly lower operational costs over long distances. With electric mobility for freight still years away from mass adoption, shifting more cargo to rail now emerges as the most immediate and impactful path to achieving greener, more cost-efficient logistics nationwide. As part of this push and to increase rail's share to over 45 per cent by 2030, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has emphasised the dual priorities of reducing logistics costs and mitigating urban pollution.

On the push to modernise and decarbonise rail freight