Union Minister for Ports flags off dwarf container

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Last Updated22/09/2021

The dwarf container train was flagged-off from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).
With this, the first consignment of laden dwarf containers from the port was moved by train to ICD Kanpur.
The introduction of dwarf containers train will help in reducing the logistics cost.

‘Dwarf Containers’ are shorter in height than normal ISO containers by 660 mm, but 162 mm wider than regular containers.
This gives them a logistical edge.
The low height of dwarf containers make it easier for loaded trailers, to pass through rural, semi-urban, and urban roads, and through limited height subways and level crossing in electrified sections.
Dwarf containers can carry a weight of 71 tons, against 40 tons by an ISO container.
Further, the ‘Dwarf’ containers provide a 67% increase in volume when double-stacked.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust has started a direct port delivery (DPD) facility at its container terminal.
The DPD facility will reduce the cost of logistics for shippers, improve the turnaround time of shipping line containers, and addressing container shortage issues.

The Dwarf containers are port-friendly.
These can be manufactured in India at a cost-efficient price, which in turn opens up opportunities for Make in India.
It will also give a boost to the manufacturing sector.

The commencement of the dwarf container train services from JNPT will also address the issue of traffic and congestion.
The facility will diversify the port’s interlinked logistical trade avenues.
Furthermore, it will enable the port to offer lower logistics costs to the EXIM community, increase rail as well as overall container volume throughput and decongest gate and road cargo traffic.

The Indian Railways has also offered a 17% discount on haulage (a charge for the commercial transport of goods) cost compared to double stack ISO container trains
This will result in an overall 33% discount to shippers making Indian Railways competitive.