DP World has launched Hyderabad’s first dedicated refrigerated (reefer) rail freight service, linking its inland container depot (ICD) at Thimmapur with Nhava Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, JNPA). According to the partners, the weekly service, operated in collaboration with Ocean Network Express (ONE), is designed to give pharmaceutical exporters a more reliable and sustainable link to global shipping networks.
The new route marks the first time refrigerated containers have moved by rail from Hyderabad to Nhava Sheva. Each service carries up to 43 forty-foot containers, consolidating cargo into a single, temperature-controlled train that arrives at the port aligned with scheduled vessel departures. By switching this traffic from road to rail, DP World says it can move more than 170 containers a month. They say that cuts congestion and emissions equivalent to taking 43 trucks off the road each day.
Three-day trip monitored onboard
The train departs ICD Thimmapur every Wednesday at 1000hrs local time. Exporters must deliver their containers by 1800hrs the previous evening (Tuesday). Arrival at Nhava Sheva on Saturday morning is scheduled for 1000hrs. The trip is around 750km (about 460 miles) across three states. The new service will add to Nhava Sheva’s ambitions to actively grow its share of container traffic.
According to a statement from DP World, each reefer container is operated by its own “proprietary powerpacks”, maintaining temperature control throughout the journey. The company added that technicians accompany the train and remain connected to ground teams via digital monitoring systems to ensure real-time oversight and cargo security.
Ensures timely vessel connections
“This new reefer rail freight service provides Hyderabad’s pharmaceutical exporters with a reliable and efficient alternative to road transport,” said Adhendru Jain, Vice President – Rail and Inland Terminals, DP World Subcontinent. “By moving the entire train directly to port, it provides integrated cold chain advantage, assured vessel connectivity and secure cargo movement throughout the journey. The shift to rail also reduces carbon emissions, creating a more sustainable model for pharma businesses.”
Partners Ocean Network Express India has called the service the first seamless, hassle-free reefer rail service. “This partnership allows us to offer exporters a sustainable, direct and dependable connection with fixed cut-off times and schedules between inland production hubs and our ocean network,” said Masahiro Sakikubo, Managing Director, Ocean Network Express (India). “Moving cargo by rail reduces the risks of delays on the road and ensures timely vessel connections. This collaboration demonstrates how rail–sea integration can improve efficiency for exporters and strengthen India’s position in global trade.”
Msahiro Sakikubo, Managing Director, Ocean Network Express India (left) and Anhendru Jain of DP World India (DP World) posed for a photocall prior to the first departure. DP World said the service could cut carbon emissions by up to 70% compared with road transport, supporting the state of Telangana’s drive for multimodal logistics and sustainable trade. DP World operates eight inland rail terminals and more than 100 container rakes across India. It has said its integrated network is well placed to support the growing demand for temperature-controlled logistics between Hyderabad and Nhava Sheva.