Gateway Distriparks Secures 15-Year Exclusive Rail Deal for Ankleshwar MMLP

Gateway Distriparks Limited (GDL) has strengthened its position in India’s integrated logistics sector by signing a 15-year exclusive agreement to operate container train services at the newly developed Ankleshwar Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Gujarat.

Developed by the Sawariya Group of Industries, this 120-acre logistics hub is strategically located to cater to both domestic and international (EXIM) cargo movement. The facility has a handling capacity of 200,000 TEUs annually and offers 850,000 sq ft of warehousing space, making it a key gateway for industries in Gujarat and beyond.

One of the most notable advantages of this MMLP is its direct connection to the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), enabling faster and more cost-efficient rail-based cargo movement. The facility is also capable of handling double-stack container trains, which significantly improves operational efficiency.

Under the asset-light model, GDL will commence domestic train operations immediately, while EXIM container services via the Inland Container Depot (ICD) are expected to start in the next financial year. The agreement also provides GDL with the first right of refusal to enter other strategic markets through new ICDs in locations such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ludhiana, Uttarakhand, and Ahmedabad.

This long-term partnership is expected to reduce logistics costs, cut transit times, and lower carbon emissions, contributing to India’s sustainable transportation goals. By leveraging its established expertise in container rail operations, GDL aims to make Ankleshwar MMLP a key logistics node for industries in chemicals, manufacturing, and export-oriented sectors.

Industry experts believe that the deal will further strengthen GDL’s footprint in western India and boost multimodal transport connectivity, making it a landmark step in the evolution of India’s freight and logistics ecosystem.