VinFast begins rail shipments of electric cars from Thoothukudi to Haryana
In a significant development for India's automobile logistics sector, the first consignment of 100 electric cars manufactured by Vietnamese automaker VinFast was dispatched by rail from Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu to Ballabhgarh in Haryana on Monday. The movement marks the beginning of a planned regular rail-based distribution network for the company's vehicles across the country.
The consignment was carried in an NMG rake comprising 25 wagons, which departed from the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Marshalling Yard in Thoothukudi. The operation was coordinated by the Business Development unit of Madurai Railway Division in association with CJ-DARCL Logistics, the logistics partner for VinFast. According to an official statement, the inaugural movement generated freight revenue of ₹22.07 lakh for the Madurai Division.
VinFast has recently established a state-of-the-art electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi. The plant is currently producing around 1,800 to 2,000 electric vehicles per month. As part of its logistics strategy, the company has chosen rail transport as a key mode for moving vehicles to destinations across India. The company has indicated an initial commitment to load approximately 10 NMG rakes every month from Thoothukudi, with the potential for further growth as production scales up.
This new traffic stream is expected to contribute steadily to the Madurai Division's freight earnings, adding to its existing automobile freight portfolio. The development underscores the division's customer-centric approach and its focus on providing reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable rail logistics solutions for the automobile industry.
Industry observers note that the move reflects a broader trend of automakers increasingly turning to rail transport for long-distance vehicle movement, citing lower costs, reduced carbon footprint, and better safety compared to road transport. For VinFast, which is expanding its presence in the Indian market, rail logistics offers an efficient way to reach northern and central regions from its southern manufacturing base.
The successful commencement of this operation also highlights the collaborative efforts between railway authorities, port infrastructure, and private logistics providers to support emerging manufacturing industries. With the monthly dispatch of around 10 rakes, the Madurai Division is expected to see a consistent addition to its freight volumes, strengthening its revenue base.
No disruptions or delays were reported during the first movement. The train is scheduled to arrive at Ballabhgarh, where the vehicles will be distributed to dealerships and customers in the region. Further dispatches are expected to follow as per the company's logistics plan.
