Guwahati: In a major step towards sustainable and efficient cold chain logistics, the Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, has introduced Ice Battery Technology to enhance containerised movement of goods.
Business North East (BNE) spoke to Vineet Mathur, a representative of CONCOR, who revealed that the company is now focusing on environmentally sustainable logistics solutions. This newly introduced Ice Battery Technology is designed to minimise the reliance on diesel generator (DG) sets in refrigerated transport. Traditional reefer vans rely on DG sets to maintain cold chain conditions, consuming fuel and generating emissions. However, the Ice Battery can maintain temperatures between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius for up to 72 hours without the need for a continuously running DG set, ensuring seamless, eco-friendly movement of perishable cargo, particularly benefiting exporters from the Northeast who need to transport goods to the western coast of the country.
Further, Vineet Mathur stated that CONCOR’s board has sanctioned the acquisition of Ice Battery containers, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has provided road vehicles for trial use.
CONCOR currently operates 13 such containers and three road vehicles, with plans to scale operations based on market demand. The capital expenditure is not a constraint, and the company is fully prepared to capitalise on emerging business opportunities.
Looking ahead, CONCOR aims to continue expanding its logistics infrastructure over the next five years. The company focuses on developing new terminals, with recent additions such as Jajpur and Paravip in Eastern India. Plans include setting up terminals along the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) to enhance transportation efficiency and boost trade.
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Ice Battery Technology's introduction will likely benefit traders and the general public significantly. The technology mitigates risks associated with traditional reefer vans, such as compressor failures or DG set malfunctions, often resulting in cargo damage. Moreover, the technology reduces carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment by minimising diesel consumption.
“This initiative ensures a continuous, disruption-free cold chain while significantly reducing pollution. It aligns with CONCOR’s commitment to sustainable logistics and provides a reliable, cost-effective solution for exporters,” Vineet Mathur remarked.
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