MUMBAI: Central Railway has marked a major milestone in freight operations with the commencement of automobile loading from the newly notified Igatpuri Goods Shed on May 2. The move is expected to strengthen rail-based vehicle logistics in the Nashik industrial region and provide manufacturers with a faster, more efficient transport option. The inaugural indent for the service was placed by M/s Transport Corporation of India Ltd, signalling strong industry confidence in the new facility. In the first consignment, 100 cars were loaded onto 25 New Modified Goods wagons, specially designed for safe and efficient automobile transportation. The rake has been dispatched to Nautanwa Goods Terminal under North Eastern Railway and is expected to generate revenue of around Rs 17.16 lakh per rake. The vehicles comprise a mixed fleet sourced directly from the Mahindra & Mahindra plant in Nashik. With Igatpuri now available as a loading point, Central Railway has created a more accessible freight hub for the Nashik manufacturing belt. This is likely to reduce turnaround time, lower logistics costs, and improve supply chain efficiency for automobile companies operating in the region. The development forms part of Central Railway’s broader strategy to diversify its freight basket and offer end-to-end logistics solutions to key industries. Rail transport of automobiles also supports sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions and easing congestion on highways compared with road transport.