Gateway Distriparks Limited (GDL) has made a significant move in expanding its logistics network by signing a 15-year exclusive agreement to operate container trains for the Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Ankleshwar, Gujarat. This strategic partnership with Sawariya Group of Industries marks a notable expansion in GDL's operations and service offerings.

Strategic Location and Capacity

The 120-acre MMLP, developed by Sawariya Group, is strategically positioned near Surat, a major industrial hub in Gujarat. The facility boasts an impressive planned annual capacity of 200,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) and 850,000 sq. ft. of warehousing space. Its location and capacity make it a crucial asset for serving key industrial zones including Surat, Panoli GIDC, Ankleshwar GIDC, Bharuch, Jhagadia GIDC, Dahej, and Hazira.

Comprehensive Logistics Solutions

The MMLP is designed to handle a wide range of logistics needs:

• Domestic containers
• EXIM (Export-Import) containers
• Bulk cargo
• Double stack train handling capability
• Direct connection to the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor

Operational Details

Under this agreement, GDL will provide rail services while Sawariya will manage terminal operations. This collaboration leverages GDL's multimodal expertise and Sawariya's infrastructure strength. Key operational aspects include:

• Immediate commencement of domestic operations
• Exclusivity for GDL in regions where it operates its own Inland Container Depots (ICDs)
• First right of refusal for new markets
• Exclusive container train operations for all EXIM and DPD (Direct Port Delivery) volumes

The ICD portion of the MMLP, focusing on EXIM volumes, is currently under construction and is expected to be operational by the beginning of the next financial year.

Benefits and Strategic Implications

This partnership offers several advantages:

1. Expanded Network: Strengthens GDL's presence in Western India
2. Asset-Light Model: Allows GDL to scale operations without capital investment in terminal infrastructure
3. Efficiency and Sustainability: Enables customers to shift from road to rail transportation, offering greater efficiency, lower carbon emissions, cost savings, and faster transit times
4. Strategic Growth: Aligns with GDL's strategy to develop its own ICDs in the north-west corridor while expanding through partnerships

Management's Perspective

Mr. Prem Kishan Dass Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director of GDL, commented on the partnership: "This partnership with Sawariya strengthens our presence in Western India and enhances our ability to serve customers through an integrated hub-and-spoke network. The asset-light model enables us to scale quickly without any capital investment in the terminal by focusing on rail operations and leveraging our network advantage."

About Gateway Distriparks Limited

Gateway Distriparks Limited is an integrated inter-modal logistics service provider with a network of 10 owned container terminals and 1 rail-serviced container terminal across India. The company operates a fleet of 34 trainsets and over 560 trailers, offering comprehensive logistics solutions including general & bonded warehousing, rail & road transportation, and container handling services.

This strategic move by Gateway Distriparks Limited underscores the company's commitment to expanding its logistics network and enhancing its service offerings in key industrial regions of India.

Gateway Distriparks Limited (GDL) has announced a significant development in its logistics operations, signing an exclusive 15-year agreement for container train operations at the Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Ankleshwar, Gujarat. This strategic move is set to strengthen the company's presence in Western India and enhance its service offerings to customers.

Deal Highlights

• Duration: 15-year exclusive agreement
• Location: 120-acre MMLP at Ankleshwar, Gujarat
• Partner: Sawariya Group of Industries (Sawariya)
• Annual Capacity: 200,000 TEUs and 850,000 sq. ft. of warehousing space

Strategic Importance

The MMLP Ankleshwar is strategically positioned near Surat and is designed to handle both domestic and EXIM (Export-Import) containers, as well as bulk cargo. Its location and capabilities make it a crucial hub for serving key industrial zones in Gujarat, including Surat, Panoli GIDC, Ankleshwar GIDC, Bharuch, Jhagadia GIDC, Dahej, and Hazira.

Operational Details

• Domestic Operations: Commenced immediately
• EXIM Operations: Expected to start at the beginning of the next financial year
• Rail Connectivity: Direct connection to the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor
• Capacity Expansion: To be undertaken in phases based on business demand

Scope of Services

Gateway Distriparks will provide rail services, while Sawariya, with its two decades of experience in logistics, warehousing, and industrial construction, will manage terminal operations. GDL has secured exclusivity for all regions where it operates its own Inland Container Depots, including markets in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ludhiana, Uttarakhand, and Ahmedabad.

Benefits for Customers

The new arrangement offers several advantages for both EXIM and domestic customers:

1. Option to use rail transportation instead of road
2. Greater efficiency in logistics
3. Lower carbon emissions
4. Potential cost savings
5. Faster transit times

Management's Perspective

Mr. Prem Kishan Dass Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director of GDL, commented on the partnership: "This partnership with Sawariya strengthens our presence in Western India and enhances our ability to serve customers through an integrated hub-and-spoke network. The asset-light model enables us to scale quickly without any capital investment in the terminal by focusing on rail operations and leveraging our network advantage."

Future Outlook

Gateway Distriparks aims to continue developing its own ICDs in the north-west corridor while exploring more opportunities to expand its network through strategic partnerships similar to this one. This approach aligns with the company's strategy to combine its multimodal expertise with infrastructure strengths of partners like Sawariya.

The deal marks a significant step in Gateway Distriparks' expansion strategy, potentially setting a new benchmark for collaborative models in the Indian logistics sector.