News Bulletin: November 2024
1. India’s Freight Corridors Witness a Doubling of Traffic, Handling 13% of Railway Load
India’s dedicated freight corridors (DFCs) have seen a remarkable surge in traffic, doubling their freight volume to 62,282 million NTKMs between April and October 2024, compared to 32,164 million NTKMs during the same period in 2023. This growth, driven by the operationalization of an additional 522 kilometers of DFC network this fiscal year, has boosted their share of railway freight to 13%, with the eastern corridor surpassing 80% of its expected traffic capacity. The western corridor, though still under full construction, handles over 350 trains daily, showcasing significant progress. With 20% more freight traffic anticipated by FY25, India’s rail logistics is poised for long-term transformation.
Source: Maritime Gateway
2. Chittagong Port to Streamline Cargo Traffic with Digital Gate Fee Payments
Chittagong Port is set to launch a fully digital gate fee payment system for cargo vehicles by the end of November 2024, aiming to reduce wait times from 15-20 minutes to just 1-2 minutes. This upgrade, critical for the Readymade Garment (RMG) sector, will enable drivers to pre-pay the Tk57.50 entry fee via mobile banking, enhancing efficiency and transparency for the 8,000 vehicles entering daily. Following initial challenges since its July 2021 debut, the system is expected to improve logistics for apparel exports, boosting Bangladesh’s competitiveness in global markets.
Source: Maritime Gateway
3. South Asia’s Largest Maritime Forum ‘Sagarmanthan’ Kicks Off in New Delhi
Summary: The inaugural edition of Sagarmanthan – The Great Oceans Dialogue, South Asia’s largest maritime thought leadership forum, began today in New Delhi. Organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India, in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), the event aims to provide a global platform for policymakers, business leaders, and visionaries to exchange insights and shape sustainable and efficient maritime strategies for the future.
Source: India Shipping News
4. Blog: Sustainable Urban Transport Systems: A Path to Greener Cities
A Sustainable Urban Transport System (SUTS) prioritizes eco-friendly solutions like public transit, cycling, and electric mobility to reduce congestion, pollution, and CO₂ emissions in growing urban areas. Drawing inspiration from global models like Copenhagen’s cycling network and Tokyo’s seamless transit, Indian cities can adopt strategies like BRTS, integrated ticketing, and EV promotion to enhance urban mobility. Key steps include improving first- and last-mile connectivity, congestion pricing, and fostering behavioral change through awareness campaigns. With strategic planning and investment, India can develop efficient, inclusive, and sustainable transport systems tailored to local needs.
