With load-easy containers, Arshiya expands logistics play

Arshiya International, an integrated logistics services company, is mulling investment in specialised rail containers to operate on its domestic rail routes.

According to sources, these containers, which allow side and top loading, would help tide over infrastructure issues and cater to a wide range of commodities.

Arshiya officials declined to comment on the development.

In an earnings call on Wednesday, top officials had said the company planned a capital expenditure of around Rs50 crore in the rail segment, but did not divulge  details.

The company is expected to make an announcement on expansion details soon.

The scope for using specialised containers in the Exim segment is limited as global specifications have to be met, but these can be tried in the domestic segment.

“A couple of rail container operators including Arshiya are looking at deploying such specialised containers which will help solve infrastructure issues at the Indian railway terminals. They are being designed to allow side and top loading than the traditional end-loading. This will also help in catering to a wide range of commodities,” said an industry source.

Domestic segment implies moving cargo meant for domestic consumption and Exim (export and import) segment comprises cargo moving between the hinterland and ports for international trade purposes.

Industry experts said in the past state-owned Container Corporation of India (Concor), India’s largest rail container operator, has also tried similar specialised containers with a side-opening for moving cement bags.