DP World to pilot Nevomo’s self-propelled tech for rail freight at Deendayal Port

#1- DP World, Nevomo to pilot electrified rail freight in India: Port operator DP World, India’s Deendayal Port Authority, and Polish transport solutions provider Nevomo have inked an MoU to pilot the deployment of autonomous magnetic rail (MagRail) freight movement solutions in India, according to a statement. The project will be implemented at DP World’s Kandla terminal at Deendayal Port to assess the feasibility of larger-scale implementation. No investment ticket or timeline for the project has been disclosed

Test, test, test: Under the agreement, the three firms will roll out a pilot project for the self-propelled, electrified rail tech over 750 meters of already existing, traditional rail tracks in the port. The project will focus on exploring the use of the tech for short-haul freight movements, which has the potential to reduce ports’ reliance on diesel-powered mobility.

Magnetic levitation (MagLev) tech for rail boasts several benefits, but the high initial investment costs needed to develop the required infrastructure have been a major constraint. Some of the tech’s benefits include low maintenance requirements due to the use of frictionless tech, lower emissions, as well as higher speed and time efficiency, according to the International MagLev Board.

But Nevomo’s MagRail could be a game-changer for the initial investment costs. The company is very versatile, with the ability to be deployed concurrently with non-electrified wagons on traditional tracks, eliminating the need to invest in new electrified infrastructure.

UAE’s been freighting for this one: UAE’s national railway network operator Etihad Rail inked an agreement last October with Nevomo autonomous rail solutions — aimed at investigating the potential for integrating autonomous solutions into the railway sector.

DP World ?India: DP World had intentions last December to boost its presence in India by expanding into more industrial parks and logistics projects. The port operator launched operations at the Vallarpadam terminal in the Cochin Economic Zone last year — and operates Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva Business Park and Chennai’s Integrated Chennai Business Park as well. The firm also operates five container terminals in India’s Mundra, Cochin, and Chennai, as well as two in Mumbai.