Indian Railways Launches End-to-End Door-to-Door Freight Model via Sonik Logistics Hub
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure | SDG 12: Responsible Production & Logistics
Institutions: Ministry of Railways
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the Sonik Integrated Logistics Hub and flagged off new door-to-door freight and parcel services, transforming the railways from a freight transporter into a full logistics provider.
The hub, located near KanpurβLucknow, serves as a multimodal node (warehousing, first/last mile services, container handling). Under Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals, the initiative links factories, warehouses, and final-mile delivery, removing the need for full train loads and reducing handling gaps.
New services include an assured-transit container train from Delhi to Kolkata (120-hour transit time) and a rail parcel service between Mumbai and Kolkata, claiming 7.5% cost savings and ~30% faster transit vs road transport.
This move can reshape Indiaβs freight logistics by improving rail competitiveness vs road, lowering logistics costs, and decongesting roads. To succeed, authorities must ensure digital integration, coordination with local transport, and adequate capacity scaling across corridors. Aligning this with the National Logistics Policy will be crucial.
What is an Integrated Logistics Hub? β An integrated logistics hub provides end-to-end freight services in one location, container stuffing/destuffing, storage, first & last mile connectivity, and multimodal transfer, reducing transaction costs and time.
What are Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs)? β GCTs are privately or jointly developed rail-linked logistics terminals that handle cargo directly from factories, warehouses, or ports. They enable first- and last-mile connectivity between railways and industrial hubs, helping shift freight from roads to rail.
Each terminal is designed to streamline loading, unloading, and storage, cutting logistics costs and transit times while boosting multimodal integration.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India replicate the Sonik door-to-door model across major freight corridors while ensuring scalability, digital readiness, and last-mile integration?
Follow the full news here: PIB Press Release ID 2179079