Railways introduces All India Licence for Container Train Operators

8 August 2026National

The Ministry of Railways approved reforms to the Model Concession Agreement for Container Train Operators (CTOs) on 6 August 2026, replacing route-specific permissions with a single All India Licence framework. Aimed at easing private operations and boosting rail freight under the National Rail Plan, it reduces compliance overheads; container operations were opened to private players in 2006.

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Railway Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw | CONCOR is the largest container train operator | National Rail Plan targets a 45% rail freight modal share by 2030.

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Indian Railways replaced route-specific permits with a single All India Licence for Container Train Operators (6 Aug 2026) to boost private rail freight.

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