Railway logistics centres are planned at Angamaly and Karukutty stations in Ernakulam district to strengthen freight movement and expand rail-based cargo handling near Cochin International Airport, according to a report by Mathrubhumi – Kochi.
The facilities will be developed on surplus railway land through private-sector participation. Around 4,400 square metres has been made available at Angamaly station and 3,000 square metres at Karukutty station for the proposed centres.
The railway will grant licences for use of the sites through competitive bidding. Private operators will be responsible for establishing the required infrastructure and running the logistics facilities. The initial agreement period will be 25 years, after which the sites will be tendered again. Annual licence fees will have to be paid in advance under the applicable policy.
The proposed facilities could include warehouses, cold-chain centres, silos for storing larger quantities of products, micro-fulfilment centres for online commerce and cargo-scanning systems. They are intended to allow businesses and producers to store goods securely, sort consignments and distribute them according to demand before they reach markets.
The railway’s move takes into account the growth of cargo movement through Cochin International Airport and the potential for supplying everyday consumer goods. The report specifically points to the fast-moving consumer goods segment as an area where air-cargo activity has been increasing, creating an opportunity for railway freight services to support storage, handling and distribution in the surrounding region.
Angamaly and Karukutty are located close to the airport and form part of an area with road, rail and air connectivity. Logistics facilities at the two railway stations could allow cargo storage, handling and distribution to be coordinated within a single network. The plan also creates the possibility of reducing dependence on road transport for longer-distance freight movement, although the report does not provide projected cargo volumes or a completion schedule.
The proposed centres may also support associated activities such as cargo handling, storage, packing and distribution. These operations could generate employment in logistics-related services, but the number of jobs or the expected economic value has not been specified.
Land reserved for Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals will not be included in the proposed sites. The railway’s policy requires the right to use the land to be granted through an open, competitive auction, with the licence fee and contract conditions forming part of the arrangement with selected private operators.
The next step is the competitive bidding process through which private enterprises will receive licences to use the railway land. The report does not state when the tenders will be issued or when construction and operations are expected to begin.
