DMRC introduces urban cargo service with Blue Dart

India’s largest metro network operator, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), has introduced urban cargo (freight) service on its network in partnership with logistics company Blue Dart Express Private Limited.

The DMRC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Blue Dart to transport its cargo across the metro network of the DMRC in the Delhi- NCR (National Capital Region) area.

According to the DMRC, it is the first metro network in South Asia and the Pacific region to introduce such a cargo service.  

Initially, the cargo service was introduced on the Blue line of the DMRC, and gradually, it will be expanded to all the networks of the DMRC.

DMRC to follow a hybrid system 

According to the DMRC, it has been inspired by the pilot project of the Madrid Metro of Spain.

However, unlike the Madrid Metro system, the DMRC will use a hybrid model for cargo transportation.

The pilot project of the Madrid Metro uses a dedicated train to transport goods between 7 to 8 pm.

The DMRC will follow a hybrid system where the goods and passengers will be transported on the same train.

The goods will be transported during the non-peak hours of the DMRC services. 

The last coaches of the first few trains of the day will be initially used to transport the Blue Darts cargo.

Benefits 

The time-sensitive cargo of Blue Darts will be efficiently transported through the vast DMRC network, which is known for its punctuality..

The service is expected to reduce road traffic of the Blue Darts, which normally uses vehicles to deliver the cargos within the Delhi NCR areas.

It will help in the reduction of road congestion.

Due to the reduction in vehicular traffic, the pollution due to vehicles is expected to be reduced.

It will also be environment friendly as carbon emissions due to vehicles will also come down.

About DMRC 

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was set up in 1995 under the Companies Act 1956.

It is a joint venture between the government of India and the government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Both hold a 50 % stake in the DMRC.

The DMRC is responsible for the construction and operation of the mass rapid transportation system in Delhi and its adjoining NCR region.

Currently, it operates the largest metro network in the country.

Chairman of DMRC: Katikithala Srinivas, IAS

Managing Director: Dr Vikas Kumar 

Headquarters: New Delhi

Blue Dart Express Limited 

Blue Dart Express Limited is a subsidiary company of the German multinational company DHL Group.

It is a logistics company that was founded in 1983.

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

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