Maruti Suzuki Achieves Landmark Rail Logistics Milestone in 2025
Maruti Suzuki India has set a new benchmark in sustainable logistics by dispatching over 5.85 lakh vehicles through the railway network in 2025. This figure represents the highest annual rail dispatch volume in the company's history, showcasing a significant shift towards eco-friendly transportation methods.
Substantial Growth and Environmental Impact
The 2025 rail dispatch numbers reflect an impressive 18% growth compared to the previous year. More notably, rail now accounts for approximately 26% of Maruti Suzuki's total outbound vehicle movement, a dramatic increase from just 5.1% in 2016. This strategic transition has yielded substantial environmental benefits, including an estimated avoidance of nearly 87,904 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions and fuel savings exceeding 687 lakh litres during the year.
Decade-Long Transformation in Logistics
Over the past ten years, Maruti Suzuki's rail dispatch volumes have expanded more than seven-and-a-half times, soaring from about 77,000 vehicles in 2016 to over 5.85 lakh units in 2025. This remarkable growth has not only reduced the company's carbon footprint but has also contributed to decreasing road congestion and lessening dependence on fossil fuel imports, according to company statements.
Leadership Perspective and Strategic Initiatives
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, emphasized that 2025 marked a pivotal milestone for the company's logistics operations. "The year 2025 marks our highest-ever rail dispatch," Takeuchi stated. "During the year, we strengthened our green logistic efforts through two landmark events – inauguration of India's largest automobile in-plant railway siding at our Manesar facility, and second was we dispatched vehicles by rail to Kashmir valley through the world's highest railway arch bridge over Chenab river, a first by any automobile manufacturer."
Future Goals and Sustainability Framework
Looking ahead, Maruti Suzuki has established ambitious targets for its rail-based logistics. The company's mid-term objective is to increase rail-based vehicle dispatches to 35% by FY2030-31, aligning with India's broader net-zero ambition by 2070. Takeuchi elaborated on the company's comprehensive approach: "Maruti has adopted a comprehensive 'Circular Mobility' approach to sustainability, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint across the entire vehicle lifecycle—from design and production to logistics and end-of-life vehicle (ELV) management."
Historical Context and Operational Scale
Maruti Suzuki pioneered rail logistics in the Indian automobile sector by becoming the first company to obtain an AFTO (Automobile-Freight-Train-Operator) license back in 2013. Since FY 2014-15, the company has transported over 28 lakh vehicles from 22 destinations, servicing more than 600 cities across India through an efficient hub and spoke model.
Currently, Maruti Suzuki utilizes over 45 flexi deck rakes, each capable of carrying approximately 260 vehicles per trip. In calendar year 2025, rail dispatches from the company's in-plant railway sidings at Gujarat and Manesar facilities accounted for 53% of total rail dispatches, demonstrating the critical role of these strategic infrastructure investments in achieving logistics efficiency and environmental sustainability.
