India: In a major success for railway reforms, Indian Railways has recorded a 170% cement movement in the final four months of the 2026 Fiscal Year (FY2026) compared to the same period of FY025. The increase comes after Indian Railways introduced innovative bulk cement tanker containers and strategically-located rail terminals for improved logistics around the country.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the new system has made loading and unloading easier while also reducing material loss. Cement manufactured in one location can now move directly to consumption centres in specialised tank containers, reducing multiple handling processes and improving plant-to-market efficiency. As the containers are of a standard shape and compatible with ready-mix concrete equipment, cement reaches construction sites in ready-to-use form. This has reduced two stages of handling, leading to lower logistics costs and faster turnaround.
The minister reported that the improved cost efficiency had been particularly significant for housing demand, as it supports the goal of making housing more affordable for low and middle income families by easing pressure on construction costs across the value chain.
Such has been the success of the scheme that Indian Railways is now working on a similar reform for fly ash transportation. Reviewing the sector with senior officials, Vaishnaw urged officials to tap the vast potential in the fly ash transportation market, noting that nearly 300Mt/yr of fly ash is produced in the country, but only about 13Mt/yr is used.
