In a significant infrastructure development for Rajasthan's industrial sector, the Indian Railways has initiated major preparations to support the upcoming Pachpadra refinery, which is anticipated to commence production in the near future. Senior DCM of the Jodhpur rail division, Hitesh Yadav, announced that a dedicated goods shed has been established at Tilwara railway station in Balotra district to facilitate the efficient movement of refinery by-products across the country.
Strategic Infrastructure for Refinery Logistics
This newly developed facility is designed to streamline the transportation process by allowing containers, which are initially brought by road from the Pachpadra refinery, to be seamlessly loaded onto railway rakes. This integration of road and rail networks aims to enhance logistical efficiency and reduce transit times for the distribution of petroleum by-products.
Operational Scale and Planning
According to Yadav, the Railways is gearing up to dispatch approximately 80 containers per month from the Tilwara goods shed. This volume translates to roughly 2.5 rakes daily, highlighting the substantial scale of operations expected once the refinery becomes operational. The decision to develop this infrastructure was made following detailed discussions with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), which indicated that production would start shortly and necessitate regular outward movement of by-products.
Why Tilwara Was Chosen
Tilwara railway station was selected as the optimal location due to its proximity to the Pachpadra refinery and excellent road connectivity. This strategic choice minimizes the distance for road transport, thereby reducing costs and improving overall logistics. Under the planned operational framework, refinery products will be transported in containers via road from Pachpadra to Tilwara, where they will be loaded onto trains and dispatched through the extensive rail network to various destinations nationwide.
This initiative underscores the Railways' commitment to supporting industrial growth and enhancing supply chain capabilities in the region, potentially boosting economic activities in Jaisalmer and surrounding areas.
