Rail Logistics to Drive ₹300 Cr Revenue for Balmer Lawrie by 2029.

Diversified public sector undertaking Balmer Lawrie & Co. is strategically expanding its footprint in the rail logistics sector, with ambitious plans to generate approximately ₹300 crore in revenue from cargo transportation by rail within the next three to four years.

The Kolkata-based company has recently ventured into this segment and is already making strides, currently managing the transportation of finished steel cargo from Steel Authority of India Ltd.'s (SAIL) Rourkela steel plant. This operation is being conducted under the Indian Railways' Liberalised Special Freight Train Operator (LSFTO) Scheme, which facilitates private sector participation in freight train operations.

"Our foray into rail logistics is a significant step towards diversifying our revenue streams and leveraging the vast potential of India's railway network," a company spokesperson stated. "We are confident that this segment will contribute substantially to our top line in the coming years."

Looking ahead, Balmer Lawrie is actively seeking collaborations with other prominent steel manufacturers to manage their cargo under the LSFTO Scheme. Beyond the steel industry, the company also plans to explore opportunities for transporting other bulk commodities, including cement and fertilizers, by rail, further broadening its service portfolio within the logistics sector. This strategic move aligns with the government's push to enhance rail freight utilization and improve logistics efficiency across the country.