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A multimodal export movement carrying nearly 2,700 tonnes of rice from Andhra Pradesh to China has restarted operations at Container Corporation of India’s (CONCOR) Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Tondiarpet, marking the return of BCN wagon-based export handling at the facility after almost five years.
The consignment originated from the Samalkot and Tanuku regions of Andhra Pradesh and was transported approximately 575 kilometres by rail in 42 BCN wagons to Chennai. At the Tondiarpet ICD, the cargo was directly transferred into 105 TEU containers before being moved by road to Chennai Port for onward shipment to China.
The operation combines rail, road and sea transport within a single logistics chain, reducing cargo handling stages and improving cargo movement between inland production centres and export gateways.
According to logistics officials, the direct wagon-to-container stuffing process is expected to lower transit delays and improve supply chain efficiency for agricultural exports. The movement also demonstrates the growing use of integrated multimodal transport solutions for bulk commodities moving from southern India to overseas markets.
The resumption of export cargo handling through BCN wagons at Tondiarpet is significant for exporters seeking alternatives to conventional road-based transport. Industry stakeholders say rail-linked containerisation can help improve cargo visibility, optimise transportation costs and support larger export volumes from hinterland regions.
The development further strengthens the role of Tondiarpet ICD as a logistics node connected to Chennai Port, facilitating the movement of export cargo through coordinated rail and container infrastructure.
With agricultural exports increasingly dependent on reliable inland connectivity, the latest shipment highlights the continued push towards rail-led freight movement and multimodal logistics integration across India's export supply chain.
Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
A multimodal export movement carrying nearly 2,700 tonnes of rice from Andhra Pradesh to China has restarted operations at Container Corporation of India’s (CONCOR) Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Tondiarpet, marking the return of BCN wagon-based export handling at the facility after almost five years. The consignment originated from the Samalkot and Tanuku regions of Andhra Pradesh and was transported approximately 575 kilometres by rail in 42 BCN wagons to Chennai. At the Tondiarpet ICD, the cargo was directly transferred into 105 TEU containers before being moved by road to Chennai Port for onward shipment to China. The operation combines rail, road and sea transport within a single logistics chain, reducing cargo handling stages and improving cargo movement between inland production centres and export gateways. According to logistics officials, the direct wagon-to-container stuffing process is expected to lower transit delays and improve supply chain efficiency for agricultural exports. The movement also demonstrates the growing use of integrated multimodal transport solutions for bulk commodities moving from southern India to overseas markets. The resumption of export cargo handling through BCN wagons at Tondiarpet is significant for exporters seeking alternatives to conventional road-based transport. Industry stakeholders say rail-linked containerisation can help improve cargo visibility, optimise transportation costs and support larger export volumes from hinterland regions. The development further strengthens the role of Tondiarpet ICD as a logistics node connected to Chennai Port, facilitating the movement of export cargo through coordinated rail and container infrastructure. With agricultural exports increasingly dependent on reliable inland connectivity, the latest shipment highlights the continued push towards rail-led freight movement and multimodal logistics integration across India's export supply chain. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
China’s electric vehicle exports rose sharply in April, underscoring the country’s growing dominance in global automotive supply chains despite mounting trade barriers in Western markets. Official trade data compiled by Bloomberg showed overseas shipments of Chinese-made EVs climbed 40 percent year-on-year during the month, driven by strong demand across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Asia remained the largest destination for Chinese electric vehicles, importing more than 110,000 units in April. Europe ranked second with nearly 84,000 vehicles, followed by Latin America at close to 53,000 units. Oceania and North America accounted for smaller volumes, reflecting tariff pressures and policy restrictions in some Western economies. Brazil recorded the fastest growth among China’s top export markets, with imports surging more than 220 percent from a year earlier. Demand also expanded significantly in South Korea, Germany, and Australia, where imports reportedly increased between 100 percent and 190 percent. The latest figures highlight how Chinese automakers are increasingly redirecting supply toward emerging and price-sensitive markets while continuing to gain share in established automotive economies. Industry analysts say competitive pricing, large-scale battery manufacturing capacity, and faster production cycles have strengthened China’s position in the global EV trade. The export growth comes even as several governments intensify scrutiny of Chinese electric vehicles over concerns related to industrial subsidies and manufacturing overcapacity. European policymakers have repeatedly warned that low-cost Chinese EV imports could pressure domestic automakers and reshape regional production networks. For global logistics operators, the rise in outbound EV shipments from China is also reshaping vehicle transport flows and port activity. Higher export volumes have increased demand for roll-on/roll-off vessels, battery-compliant storage infrastructure, and specialised automotive handling capacity across major shipping corridors linking China with Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. China’s broader automotive exports have continued to expand alongside growth in renewable energy-related manufacturing. The country has emerged as the world’s largest EV producer, supported by extensive domestic battery supply chains and strong state-backed industrial investment. While overseas demand remains strong, competition within China’s domestic EV market has intensified, placing pressure on profit margins for several manufacturers. Analysts tracking the sector say export markets are becoming increasingly important for Chinese automakers seeking to sustain production growth amid fierce pricing competition at home. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
With rising concerns over maritime security, access to critical minerals, and fragile supply chains, the Quad nations pushed for deeper cooperation at the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar stated that the Indo-Pacific must remain a driver of global growth and stability. The meeting takes place during a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and competition over strategic infrastructure that are reshaping the Indo-Pacific region. Given this backdrop, the Quad countries—India, the US, Japan, and Australia—aimed to present themselves as an action-oriented partnership focused on security, connectivity, technology, and economic resilience. Jaishankar opened the meeting by stating that the Quad’s agenda would focus on the “many challenges and opportunities” before the world, especially in the Indo-Pacific. “We have to address issues like supply chain resilience, connectivity choke points, manufacturing and resource concentrations, and gaps in critical infrastructure,” Jaishankar said. He added that these challenges also present new opportunities for partnerships, stronger growth, and realising the full potential of technology. He emphasized that the Indo-Pacific needs stronger strategic confidence, maritime security, and reliable partnerships. “Over the past several months, our officials have advanced collaboration across key priorities, including maritime security, critical technologies, economic resilience, and humanitarian assistance,” the External Affairs Minister noted, while recognizing “encouraging progress” in existing initiatives. Referring to the shared outlook among the four nations, he commented, “As maritime democracies, pluralistic societies, and market economies, we share the responsibility for a free and open Indo-Pacific.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that the Quad is evolving from a consultative platform to one focused on tangible outcomes. “My first meeting as Secretary of State was with the Quad, shortly after being sworn in. I believe this shows our commitment to this effort,” Rubio said. Rubio added that recent global developments have made the Quad’s initiatives more relevant, especially regarding energy security, critical minerals, humanitarian response, and freedom of navigation. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi affirmed that the Quad sends a bold message about endorsing a free and open Indo-Pacific. “Indo-Pacific nations should strengthen their resilience and capacity to shape their own future, including economic security,” Motegi said, while calling for quicker collaboration within the Quad. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
