Chennai Port Authority (ChPA) has strengthened its rail-based EXIM connectivity with the commencement of container rail movement between ICD Sanathnagar, Hyderabad (CSTN) and Chennai Port (CITPL), creating a commercially attractive gateway option for Hyderabad and the adjoining hinterland.

The inaugural movement, operated by M/s CONCOR in association with M/s OOCL, comprised a 40-wagon container rake with 14 FEUs and 18 TEUs, aggregating 46 TEUs. The service marks an important step in Chennai Port's strategy to deepen hinterland connectivity and facilitate seamless movement of EXIM cargo.

The Hyderabad–Chennai rail connectivity creates an opportunity for Far East-bound cargo to use Chennai as a commercially viable gateway. With first- and last-mile logistics costs broadly comparable to competing West Coast gateways, the Chennai route has the potential to reduce overall transit time by up to seven days, depending on cargo and service routing.

This combination of competitive inland logistics and faster market access gives exporters and importers greater routing flexibility and strengthens Chennai's position as a gateway for South and Central Indian trade.

Chennai's connectivity with major hubs including Port Klang, Singapore, China and Southeast Asia also provides routing options for west-bound cargo through established transhipment hubs.

To accelerate rail-based cargo growth, ChPA has constituted a dedicated Rail Connectivity Cell to work with CONCOR, other CTOs, shipping lines, logistics providers and trade to develop new rail-linked opportunities.

Chairperson, Chennai Port Authority, Shri Sachin S. Kurve, I.A.S., flagged off the unloading operations at Chennai Port on 11.08.2026, along with Ms. Gayatri, IRTS, Area Head South, CONCOR. The Chairperson highlighted the importance of stronger hinterland connectivity in enhancing Port competitiveness and facilitating trade.

ChPA has also constituted a Port Trade Facilitation Cell as a single coordination platform with Customs, terminals, shipping lines, vessel agents, CFSs, rail operators and other stakeholders, focusing on:

• Digitisation of EXIM processes
• Transhipment promotion
• Shipping line and rail connectivity facilitation