In a landmark move toward enhancing ‘Ease of Doing Business’, the Indian Railways has announced a digital transformation for freight operations in Madhya Pradesh. In a shift toward transparency and predictability, cargo trains will soon be available for “Live Tracking,” similar to passenger expresses. The Ministry of Railways is set to launch a dedicated mobile application and web portal, allowing traders to monitor consignments in real-time, effectively streamlining supply chains and reducing logistics overheads.Currently, traders often face significant challenges due to the lack of precise information regarding the location of their goods. Freight trains are frequently diverted to loop lines to prioritise passenger traffic, leading to unpredictable delays.

 

Under the new system, businesses can use a unique Consignment ID or the five-digit train number to access real-time GPS locations. This will allow industrial units to synchronize their warehouse management, labor for unloading, and truck fleets for secondary distribution with surgical precision. For sectors like coal, iron ore and cement, this means production lines can be scheduled according to arrival times, eliminating costly operational downtime. Phase 1: Scheduled Freight Services West Central Railway (WCR) zone has drafted a comprehensive blueprint for the rollout. Key technical and operational shifts include: In the first phase, 16 select freight trains will operate on fixed schedules—departing and arriving at predetermined times, mirroring the passenger train model. Trains will no longer be “anonymous” on the tracks. Each will be assigned a specific 5-digit number, integrating them into the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) for public tracking.Being “scheduled” grants these trains a higher priority on the rail network, reducing the likelihood of transit delays.

 

Strategic Impact on Bhopal & Mandideep Bhopal Railway Division stands to be a primary beneficiary of this initiative. Industrial hubs like Mandideep, Bina and Bhopal handle massive volumes of loading and unloading. Exporters from Mandideep will now be able to monitor their containers directly on their smartphones until they reach the ports. Traders can reduce ‘buffer stocks’ allowing better management of working capital. The Economic Edge traders pay heavy detention charges for labour and trucks that wait hours at stations. Precise arrival data will eliminate these redundant expenses. By introducing transparency via a mobile app, Railways aims to win back freight traffic from road transport sector by offering a reliable and cost-effective alternative. Digital logs will ensure accountability within Railway operations, fostering a more trust-based relationship with the industrial community.