BEML, DPA, DMRC, and Umeandus join forces to develop India’s smartest rail-based freight system

New Delhi: In a major push towards transforming India’s port logistics and freight movement, BEML Limited, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and Umeandus Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. (UTIPL) have joined hands to develop the Enhanced Freight Transport System (e-FTS), an advanced, rail-based freight solution designed to modernize and automate cargo handling across Indian ports.

PSU Watch is now on Whatsapp Channels. Click here to join

The quadrapartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been exchanged during the prestigious 'India Maritime Week' in Mumbai, in the presence of P.K. Roy, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority, along with senior officials and delegates from the partner organisations.

Representing BEML, BN Jagadish, Head Micro SBU (Maritime), and Captain Vishal Agarwal (Retd), Head – Business Development (Maritime), exchanged the MoU with representatives of DPA, DMRC, and Umeandus Technologies.

Under this collaboration, BEML will leverage its six decades of experience in the design and manufacture of world-class rolling stock to develop and supply driverless electric pods (Autonomous Rolling Stock) for the e-FTS. These electric pods will be capable of transporting both bulk and containerized cargo on dedicated guideways, forming the backbone of the new logistics ecosystem.

The e-FTS initiative aims to redefine port logistics by incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), smart signalling, and advanced IT systems. The system is envisioned to deliver a faster, safer, and more energy-efficient solution for freight transport while supporting India’s goals of automation and sustainability in logistics infrastructure.

This collaboration marks a significant step in India’s digital transformation journey, underscoring the government’s and industry’s commitment to building smarter, technology-driven freight corridors that enhance efficiency, reduce congestion, and contribute to the nation’s green logistics agenda.

(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Google News. Click here to follow. Also, join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram. You may also follow us on Twitter here and stay updated.)