India: Chhattisgarh rice exporters call for increased utilisation of Raipur ICD

• Exporting containers via ICD offers substantial cost benefits
• Industry requires regular rail services, concessional freights

Exporters in Chhattisgarh have called for urgent government action to address the underutilisation of the state’s Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Raipur, citing high costs compared to direct road transport to Visakhapatnam Port.

Despite the ICD being fully functional, traders and exporters say they are forced to rely on direct trucking to the port, as it is substantially cheaper. A recent cost analysis reveals that exporting a container via ICD Raipur costs an average of INR 83,065, while sending the same container directly by road to Visakhapatnam costs only INR 60,300 – a difference of INR 22,765 per container.

Stakeholders argue that enabling Direct Port Entry (DPE) from ICD Raipur to Visakhapatnam Port could narrow this gap. They estimate that removing terminal handling and internal port transport charges at CCJS (Chhattisgarh Container and Junction Siding) could save around INR 7,445 per container. Even if rail freight increases by INR 3,000 under the DPE system, exporters would still benefit from a net saving of INR 4,445 per container.

Exporters have highlighted three key challenges: the lack of regular rake movements from ICD Raipur to Visakhapatnam Port, the absence of concessional or competitive rail freights for agricultural exports, and the unavailability of a DPE facility for ICD cargo at the port. They are urging the introduction of regular rail services, the provision of special concessional freights for agricultural produce, and coordination between authorities to establish DPE facilities.

Industry representatives warn that without immediate steps, the ICD will continue to operate below its potential, depriving the region’s Agri – sector of a vital export gateway. Improved connectivity, they say, would not only boost export competitiveness but also directly benefit farmers and traders, ensuring that the infrastructure delivers on its promise to drive economic growth in Chhattisgarh.