CONCOR plans services from Madurai to New Delhi, Karaikal

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) plans to start services to Tughlakabad, New Delhi, and Karaikal Port from its Inland Container Terminal at Koodal Nagar near here from January.While the New Delhi service would be primarily for domestic purpose, the service to Karaikal will be for a mix of both EXIM (export-imports) and domestic purpose, said Raveen K. Reddy, Chief General Manager and Head (Southern Region), CONCOR.Addressing a meeting organised here on Tuesday by Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TNCCI) and Agro Food Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he said that while initially the services would be ‘on demand,' it would become regular based on volume of traffic. The company was popularising the routes and tariffs to businesses and creating awareness.Also, with Madurai airport all set to get international connectivity, he said that CONCOR could also explore the possibility of establishing an Air Freight Station here. “Since the Government of India, with 61 per cent, is the majority stake holder, CONCOR is focused more on providing a favourable climate to exporters rather than on profits.” From just seven inland container depots (ICDs) in November 1989, after taking over the existing network of Indian Railways, CONCOR had become an undisputed market leader with the largest network of 61 ICDs/ container freight stations (CFSs), said Mr. Reddy.In addition to providing inland transport by rail for containers, the company had also expanded to cover management of ports, air cargo complexes and establishing cold-chains.E. Daniel Jothikumar, Assistant General Manager, Karaikal Port, said that the private port offered modern facilities. It was contemplating on establishing a Logistics Park housing a freight station, dedicated railway sidings, remote coal stock and tank farms, especially for edible oil.