- Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) and GAIL (India) Ltd. have signed a 15-year agreement to establish a modern Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) dispensing station at CONCOR’s Inland Container Depot (ICD), Khodiyar, near Ahmedabad.
- The partnership aims to promote the use of LNG-powered commercial vehicles, reduce carbon emissions in the logistics sector, and strengthen India’s transition towards cleaner transportation fuels.
LNG Station to Be Set Up at Ahmedabad ICD
- Under the long-term agreement, GAIL will develop and operate a state-of-the-art LNG retail dispensing station within CONCOR’s high-traffic Inland Container Depot at Khodiyar.
- The facility will serve both CONCOR’s logistics operations and commercial vehicles operating in the open market, providing uninterrupted fuel availability around the clock.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
The partnership outlines clear responsibilities for both organisations.
GAIL will:
- Invest in establishing the LNG dispensing station.
- Own and operate the LNG retail outlet.
- Maintain exclusive operational control over the facility.
- Supply LNG fuel for commercial transportation.
CONCOR will:
- Provide approximately 3,000 square metres of land within the ICD.
- Ensure utility connectivity required for station operations.
- Deploy LNG-powered commercial vehicles to support green logistics.
15 LNG Trucks in the First Year
- As part of its commitment under the agreement, CONCOR will induct a dedicated fleet of 15 LNG-powered commercial vehicles during the first year of the contract.
- These vehicles are expected to support container transportation while reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency compared to conventional diesel-powered trucks.
Round-the-Clock Fuel Availability
The LNG dispensing station will operate 24×7, ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply for:
- CONCOR’s container transportation fleet.
- Third-party logistics operators.
- Commercial heavy vehicles.
- Other LNG-powered transport operators.
The station is expected to become an important refuelling hub for western India’s freight transport corridor.
Boost to Green Logistics
The initiative supports India’s broader objectives of promoting cleaner fuels and decarbonising the transport sector.
Compared with conventional diesel, LNG offers several environmental advantages:
- Lower carbon dioxide emissions.
- Reduced particulate matter.
- Lower nitrogen oxide emissions.
- Cleaner combustion.
- Reduced noise levels.
The adoption of LNG-powered freight vehicles is expected to improve operational efficiency while contributing to India’s sustainability goals.
Supporting India’s Energy Transition
- The collaboration aligns with the Government of India’s efforts to expand the use of natural gas in transportation and increase the share of cleaner fuels in the country’s energy mix.
- With logistics accounting for a significant share of transport emissions, LNG-based freight movement is emerging as an effective alternative for long-haul commercial transportation.
Strengthening Multi-Modal Logistics
- The LNG station will be located within one of CONCOR’s busiest Inland Container Depots, allowing seamless integration with container handling and multimodal transport operations.
- By combining efficient logistics infrastructure with clean fuel availability, the project is expected to encourage greater adoption of LNG-powered heavy commercial vehicles across the region.
A Step Towards Sustainable Freight Transportation
- The 15-year strategic partnership between CONCOR and GAIL represents an important milestone in India’s green logistics journey.
- As more logistics operators shift towards cleaner fuels, such initiatives are expected to reduce transportation emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and support India’s long-term environmental and energy security objectives.