In a move aimed at revolutionising cargo transport within port premises, DP World, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) and Polish tech firm Nevomo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly explore the deployment of Nevomo’s MagRail technology at Kandla Port in Gujarat.
MagRail is an innovative rail propulsion system that combines magnetic levitation with conventional rail infrastructure, allowing specially equipped freight vehicles to operate more efficiently on existing tracks. Unlike traditional maglev trains that require entirely new rail lines, Nevomo’s hybrid solution uses passive magnetic levitation – where vehicles automatically levitate at speed – and linear motors embedded in the track to propel freight wagons. This enables faster, more reliable, and environmentally friendly cargo movement, especially within constrained port environments.
The technology also facilitates the operation of electric vehicles in areas without overhead electrification—a significant advantage in port and terminal settings.
The pilot project will focus on automating short-haul freight transfers within the Deendayal Port terminal, intending to reduce reliance on diesel-powered vehicles and enhance operational efficiency. The initiative represents DP World’s ongoing commitment to integrating advanced technologies into supply chains across India, while DPA provides the operational base for testing the futuristic system.
Nevomo has previously signed agreements with Italian rail infrastructure operator RFI, German port operator Duisport and the French national railway company SNCF to trial MagRail in European logistics hubs. If successful in India, the Kandla pilot could set a precedent for more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective cargo handling methods across global ports.
Deendayal Port, one of India’s key multi-cargo ports, handled over 69Mt of cargo in the fiscal year 2022-23 and serves as a strategic gateway for trade along the western coast. Incorporating MagRail technology could enhance its competitiveness by reducing turnaround times and carbon emissions associated with freight operations.
The collaboration underlines a growing trend among port authorities and logistics companies to adopt innovative transport solutions amid rising global trade volumes and increasing environmental regulations. This partnership may pave the way for wider adoption of magnetic rail propulsion systems across India’s extensive rail network and industrial corridors.
Commenting on the occasion, DPA chairman Shri Sushil Kumar Singh said, “This collaboration is a strategic advancement in port infrastructure, enhancing capacity and operational efficiency to support growing cargo demands. DP World, as trusted partner, plays a crucial role in enabling this initiative, which aligns with our commitment to strengthening India’s logistics framework and ensuring seamless trade facilitation.”
DP World Group chairman and chief executive officer Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said, “At DP World, we are committed to future-proofing our terminals by adopting innovative technologies that redefine how cargo moves through the supply chain. Piloting solutions like MagRail aligns with our focus on enhancing speed, efficiency, and sustainability in logistics. By reducing transit times and optimising infrastructure use, we aim to create greater value for customers, support Deendayal Port Authority in scaling capacity, and contribute to India’s broader trade and connectivity goals.”
DP World CEO and managing director, Middle East, North Africa and India Subcontinent Rizwan Soomar said “We believe transformative infrastructure is driven by collaboration and long-term thinking. The partnership between DP World and Deendayal Port Authority along with Nevomo offers a unique opportunity to reimagine the future of freight movement in India. Our commitment goes beyond individual projects – we are partnering to accelerate India’s ambition to further expand and integrate port-led logistics ecosystems and achieve carbon neutrality by leveraging technology effectively in infrastructure solutions.”
Nevomo Group CEO Przemek (Ben) Paczek commented: “We are proud to partner in this innovative initiative at Deendayal Port to showcase MagRail’s real-world potential in enhancing freight efficiency, capacity, and flexibility. Collaborating with world-class organisations like DP World and Deendayal Port Authority, this is a significant step towards advancing sustainable logistics in India.”
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