Travel

Konkan Railway Launches Second High-Capacity Ro-Ro Rake to Boost Freight Efficiency


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Konkan Railway has taken a significant step to strengthen freight movement along its route with the launch of its second Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) rake featuring an enhanced 57-ton capacity. The service, designed to transport loaded trucks on railway wagons, continues to provide a cost-effective logistics solution while improving freight efficiency across the region.

The first high-capacity rake, with wagons capable of carrying up to 57 tons, commenced operations on November 5, 2025. The second rake, featuring the same enhanced capacity, was introduced on December 3, 2025, expanding the reach of this innovative freight solution. Each rake comprises 15 BRN wagons, designed to carry trucks up to 57 MT, and 35 BOXN wagons, capable of handling trucks up to 50 MT. According to railway guidelines, the maximum weight permitted for BRN wagons is 57 MT and for BOXN wagons 50 MT. The increased capacity applies exclusively to these two rakes, while other rakes continue to operate with the 50 MT weight limit. For trucks exceeding 50 MT and up to 57 MT, charges are fixed at Rs 800 per MT plus applicable GST.

The enhanced capacity of these rakes is expected to significantly benefit transporters and industries dealing with heavy consignments such as iron and steel, marble, tiles, and construction materials along the Konkan Railway network. This initiative demonstrates Konkan Railwayโ€™s commitment to supporting trade and industry through innovative freight solutions along the West Coast corridor, providing both efficiency and cost-effectiveness for businesses that rely on timely and secure transportation of heavy goods.

Travel

GMR Goa Air Cargo Handles First-Ever NCPOR Expedition Charter to Antarctica


GMR Goa Air Cargo Logistic (GGACL), operating from Manohar International Airport (MIA), has achieved a major milestone by handling its first-ever expedition non-scheduled cargo charter movement for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), headquartered in Vasco, Goa.

This specialized operation involved the deployment of the IL-76 freighter aircraft, nicknamed โ€œGajrajโ€ โ€” a massive Soviet-designed, four-engine turbofan airlifter known for its exceptional heavy-lift capacity. The aircraft took off from MIA carrying critical expedition materials including medicines, food supplies, and essential commodities for the ongoing Indian Antarctic Expedition, with a scheduled route via Cape Town, South Africa.

This event marks the first time an IL-76 aircraft has departed from Manohar International Airport, showcasing the airportโ€™s capability to handle large-scale, specialized cargo operations. Known for its reliability in transporting heavy equipment and operating in extreme conditions, the IL-76 was an ideal choice for the mission supporting Indiaโ€™s polar research.

Notably, this is the third specialized cargo charter movement handled by GGACL in the last two years โ€” underlining its growing reputation as a preferred logistics hub for critical and time-sensitive cargo operations. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced cargo handling capabilities, and a strong track record of execution, GGACL continues to raise the bar in air freight excellence.

This successful collaboration with NCPOR reinforces GGACLโ€™s role not just in commercial logistics, but also in supporting national and scientific missions of international importance โ€” cementing Manohar International Airportโ€™s role as a strategic gateway for global operations.

EduConnect

GCCI and FIEO Successfully Conduct 3-Day Certificate Course on Adaptive International Business in Goa


The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in association with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO โ€“ Western Region) and supported by ICICI Bank, successfully conducted a three-day Certificate Course titled โ€œSetting Up and Managing an Adaptive International Businessโ€ from 24th to 26th September 2025 at the GCCI Conference Hall in Panaji.

The course was formally inaugurated in the presence of Mrs. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, and Mr. Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman of the GCCI Logistics Committee. Both dignitaries underscored the critical importance of upskilling and knowledge sharing for entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals aiming to enter or expand in the international trade arena.

The event drew overwhelming participation, with over 50 attendees including new-age entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, international trade professionals, and aspiring exporters. The course was designed as a high-impact training module combining essential theoretical concepts with real-world business applications and industry exposure.

Day 1 laid the foundation by covering the essentials of international tradeโ€”participants were introduced to export documentation, export costing, selecting overseas markets, and understanding the prevailing business environment. Experts also elaborated on the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 and how it impacts small and medium exporters.

The second day began with sessions on establishing overseas business relationships, identifying genuine buyers, effective communication, and navigating new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs). It also covered crucial topics like delivery and payment terms and the vital role logistics plays in ensuring successful exports. The afternoon featured a Stakeholders’ Interaction Session where major banks spoke on financial tools available for exporters, the ECGC outlined risk mitigation strategies, NSIC showcased MSME-specific schemes, and FIEO shared its ongoing initiatives in support of Indiaโ€™s exporting community.

On the final day, participants were taken on an immersive field visit to the GMR Goa Air Cargo Terminal at MOPA. The visit provided invaluable first-hand insight into international cargo handling, compliance protocols, and the logistical operations that support export trade, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and ground-level execution.

At the closing valedictory session, all participants were awarded Certificates of Completion, acknowledging their commitment and active engagement over the three days. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing appreciation for the courseโ€™s practical relevance and the opportunity to network with experts and fellow entrepreneurs.

The programme reflects the continuing efforts by GCCI and FIEO to build a robust export ecosystem in Goa. Both organisations reaffirmed their intent to collaborate on future programmes that focus on handholding, mentoring, and supporting local businesses as they venture into international markets. The initiative is a strong step towards increasing export contributions from Goa and empowering the next generation of Indian exporters.

National

100 Countries Expected to Participate in Indian Maritime Week 2025


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

India is poised to become a global hub for maritime innovation and trade with the launch of India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. Scheduled to take place from 27โ€“31 October 2025 at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, the event is already garnering global attention, with over 100 countries expected to participate.

IMW 2025 is envisioned as a flagship global platform that will not only showcase Indiaโ€™s growing maritime capabilities but also drive international collaboration and strategic investments across the maritime ecosystem. The event comes at a pivotal time as the world pivots toward sustainable shipping, digital transformation in logistics, and inclusive global trade practices.

For coastal nations, the week presents a unique opportunity to enhance maritime infrastructure, modernize port operations, and attract cutting-edge investments in shipping, logistics, and technology. Meanwhile, landlocked nations can explore ways to integrate with maritime trade routes, improve their connectivity to seaports, and broaden international access for their goods, services, and industries.

The event will bring together global leaders, policymakers, industry stakeholders, maritime experts, innovators, and investors on one platform to engage in dialogue, showcase advancements, and forge strategic partnerships. The holistic approach of IMW 2025 ensures that sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation are at the heart of every discussion.

With Indiaโ€™s growing stature as a maritime power and its strategic geographical location, India Maritime Week 2025 stands as a testament to the nationโ€™s commitment to advancing maritime excellence and facilitating shared prosperity through global collaboration.

Business

NDR InvIT Inaugurates 2.35 Lakh Sq. Ft. Logistics Facility in Goa, Expands Regional Footprint


Goa | July 31, 2025 โ€” In a significant milestone for Indiaโ€™s logistics and warehousing sector, NDR InvIT Trust, the countryโ€™s first perpetual Warehousing and Industrial Parks InvIT listed on the National Stock Exchange, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art 2.35 lakh sq. ft. facility at its NDR Varama Sir site on Verna Airport Road.

The space has been handed over to:

  • A leading quick-commerce company (~1.06 lakh sq. ft.)
  • A third-party logistics (3PL) provider managing FMCD (Fast-Moving Consumer Durables) (~1.24 lakh sq. ft.)

The event was attended by key stakeholders including Mr. N. Amrutesh Reddy (Director, NDR InvIT Trust), Mr. Jagdish Bhanushali, Mr. Meet Bhanushali, and Mr. Sundar Rajan.

Strategic Expansion in Goa

This facility marks a major step in NDR InvITโ€™s mission to build scalable, efficient infrastructure across India. With this development, NDRโ€™s Goa portfolio now encompasses ~11 lakh sq. ft. of constructed area across two key sites:

  • NDR Goaspace Pvt. Ltd. in Verna Industrial Area
  • NDR Varama Sir on Verna Airport Road

These sites act as strategic hubs for last-mile delivery, pan-India distribution, and manufacturing-linked logistics.

Commitment to Future-Ready Infrastructure

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Jagdish Bhanushali, Project Director, said:

โ€œThis facility reflects our commitment to future-ready infrastructure that meets the dynamic needs of modern trade, manufacturing and commerce. From last-mile efficiency to pan-India reach, NDR InvITโ€™s assets are designed to support speed, sustainability, and scalability.โ€

The Goa portfolio is particularly focused on supporting high-growth industries such as:

  • Quick commerce
  • Third-party logistics (3PL)
  • Light manufacturing

Consumer durables (FMCD)

About NDR InvIT Trust

NDR InvIT Trust is Indiaโ€™s first perpetual Warehousing and Industrial Parks InvIT. With 19.22 million sq. ft. AUM, it operates 60+ warehouses and 37 industrial parks across 15 cities, leased to over 100 tenants from industries including:

  • E-commerce
  • IT and technology
  • Automotive
  • Retail & FMCG
  • Engineering and white goods

NDR InvITโ€™s mission is to contribute to Indiaโ€™s sustainable economic and social growth by strategically managing critical infrastructure that enables faster, smarter supply chains.