An inaugural refrigerated container (Reefer) rake, Aushadhi Express, operated by Container Corporation of India (Concor), was flagged off from the Inland Container Depot (ICD) here to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Mumbai, carrying life-saving medicines and other temperature-sensitive cargo.
Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, General Manager of South Central Railway (SCR), flagged off the reefer rake along with Sanjay Swarup, Chairman and Managing Director of Concor, among others.
The consignment is being transported in advanced reefer containers equipped with diesel power packs to ensure uninterrupted cooling throughout the journey.
Boost to cold-chain logistics and pharma supply
The launch of the reefer rake service marks a significant step in strengthening cold-chain connectivity and improving the efficiency of India’s pharmaceutical supply chain. SCR said its strategic partnership with Maersk, which is providing high-quality reefer containers, will further enhance ICD Sanathnagar’s cold-chain logistics capabilities.
Hyderabad’s pharma hub gets logistics boost
Hyderabad is one of India’s largest pharmaceutical hubs, with key clusters spread across Genome Valley, Jeedimetla Industrial Area, Patancheru, and Mucherla. The Hyderabad–JNPT corridor serves as a critical logistics link between Telangana’s industrial belt and one of the country’s busiest ports, contributing to the region’s socio-economic growth.
“The introduction of dedicated reefer rake services is expected to reduce transit time, lower logistics costs, and improve supply-chain reliability for exporters and domestic distributors. The deployment of the reefer rake reflects the growing demand for dependable cold-chain solutions in India, driven by rising pharmaceutical exports and stringent quality-preservation requirements,” SCR said in a release on Saturday.
The service is expected to create new opportunities for exporters, improve price realisation, and reduce wastage.
Aligned with PM Gati Shakti vision
“This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision under PM Gati Shakti by promoting efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly freight transportation systems,” it added.
Published on May 2, 2026