Container Corporation of India Limited (Concor) has taken a significant step towards enhancing India's port infrastructure by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) for the development and management of common rail handling operations at the upcoming Vadhvan Port.

Key Details of the Partnership

The collaboration, formalized on October 29, 2025, during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, outlines Concor's role as the Common Rail Handling Operator for the project. This strategic partnership involves:

Significance of the Agreement

This MoU marks a crucial development in India's logistics and port infrastructure:

1. Enhanced Multimodal Connectivity: The partnership aims to improve the efficiency of container movement between rail and port facilities.
2. Infrastructure Development: It aligns with India's broader goal of port-led growth and infrastructure enhancement.
3. Operational Efficiency: Concor's expertise is expected to streamline rail operations at the new port, potentially reducing logistics costs and improving turnaround times.

Leadership Involvement

The MoU was signed by key figures from both organizations:

• Shri Sanjay Swarup, Chairman & Managing Director, CONCOR
• Shri Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman JNPA & CMD, Vadhvan Port Project Limited

Their presence underscores the strategic importance of this collaboration for both entities and the Indian logistics sector at large.

Looking Ahead

As India continues to focus on improving its logistics infrastructure, partnerships like this between major players such as Concor and JNPA are crucial. The successful implementation of this project could serve as a model for future port developments, potentially reshaping the landscape of India's maritime logistics.

While the project's commencement is slated for 2030, the groundwork laid by this MoU sets the stage for long-term improvements in India's port efficiency and multimodal connectivity. Stakeholders in the logistics and maritime sectors will be keenly watching the progress of this collaboration and its potential impact on trade facilitation and economic growth.

Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR), a Navratna CPSE under the Government of India, has announced a significant change in its Board of Directors. The company has appointed Shri Rakesh Kumar Rousan as a Part-Time Government Director, effective October 22, 2025, following approval from the Ministry of Railways.

Key Appointment Details

About Rakesh Kumar Rousan

Shri Rakesh Kumar Rousan brings over two decades of experience in the railway sector to CONCOR's board. His expertise includes:

• Freight transportation
• Stakeholder engagement
• Strategic coordination with industries such as Coal, Iron & Steel, Fertilizers, Automobiles, Cement, and FMCG

Prior to his current role, Rousan served as Chief Freight Traffic Manager (CFTM) in North Eastern Railway. His educational background includes:

• M.Sc. degree
• MBA in Operations Management

Rousan has received extensive training in Business Management from prestigious institutions such as LTA/Singapore, ICLIF/Malaysia, INSEAD Singapore, and IIM Lucknow. He is also an author, having published a book titled "Bullet Trains" with the National Book Trust.

Impact on CONCOR's Board

With this appointment, CONCOR's Board of Directors now comprises 10 members, including:

• Executive Directors
• Part-Time Government Directors
• Part-Time Non-Official Directors

The company has confirmed that Shri Rousan is not debarred from holding the office of Director by any SEBI order or other authority. Additionally, he has no relationships with other directors of the company, ensuring independence in his role.

This strategic appointment aligns with CONCOR's commitment to maintaining a diverse and experienced board, potentially enhancing its capabilities in freight logistics and business development within the railway sector.

As CONCOR continues to play a crucial role in India's multi-modal logistics landscape, the addition of Shri Rousan's expertise is expected to contribute to the company's strategic initiatives and growth objectives.