Dedicated rail service moves more than 2,100 containers in 36 trains, helping exporters improve container availability, reduce logistics costs and streamline shipments
Rajasthan’s export ecosystem is gaining momentum as the dedicated “Furniture Express” rail service strengthens the logistics link between Jodhpur and Mundra Port. The service, designed primarily for furniture and handicraft exporters, has transported more than 2,100 containers through 36 trains since its launch earlier this year.
According to an official from the Rajasthan industries department, demand for the service has increased steadily, with two to three train rakes currently operating every week. The dedicated rail connection is emerging as an important logistics alternative for exporters seeking more predictable and cost-efficient access to one of India’s major ports.
Direct Rail Link Strengthens Export Connectivity
The Furniture Express connects the Jodhpur Inland Container Depot (ICD) with Mundra Port, providing exporters with a more integrated route for moving cargo from Rajasthan’s industrial clusters to international shipping networks.
Jodhpur has a strong presence in furniture, handicrafts and other export-oriented industries. However, exporters in inland locations often face higher logistics expenses because of their dependence on road transportation and the need to source containers from distant locations.
The dedicated rail service is aimed at addressing these challenges by providing regular container movement and improving the reliability of the export supply chain.
Empty Container Availability Emerges as a Key Advantage
One of the most important commercial benefits of the initiative is the availability of empty containers within Jodhpur.
Containers from major shipping lines, including MSC and OOCL, are being made available at the RAJSICO ICD. This reduces the need for exporters to travel to other cities to arrange empty containers before loading their consignments.
For furniture and handicraft exporters, where cargo preparation and packing can require considerable planning, timely container availability can reduce waiting periods and improve shipment scheduling.
The system can also help exporters minimise additional transportation expenses associated with moving empty containers over long distances.
Rail Movement Can Reduce Dependence on Road Logistics
The movement of loaded containers from Jodhpur to Mundra through scheduled rail services provides an alternative to transporting export cargo entirely by road.
For businesses shipping large volumes, rail-based container movement can offer greater predictability and help reduce pressure on road logistics. It also creates an opportunity for exporters to plan cargo dispatches around scheduled train services and port requirements.
The logistics model becomes particularly relevant for industries such as furniture and handicrafts, where bulky cargo can make transportation costs a significant component of the overall export equation.
Furniture, Handicrafts and Other Export Sectors to Benefit
Although the service is popularly known as Furniture Express, its potential user base extends beyond furniture manufacturers.
The logistics facility is expected to support exporters of handicrafts, guar gum and other products originating from Rajasthan. Better access to containers and port connectivity can improve the competitiveness of these businesses in international markets.
For small and medium-sized exporters, logistics efficiency can have a direct impact on margins because freight, container availability and transportation delays can materially influence the final cost of an export shipment.
RAJSICO Revives Jodhpur ICD
The Furniture Express was launched on February 28, 2026, by Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation Limited (RAJSICO) in collaboration with Doon Logistics Private Limited.
The initiative followed the reactivation of the Jodhpur ICD after RAJSICO appointed a cargo management and transport service provider and business promoter in October 2025.
The revival of the ICD has provided a local base for container handling and helped create a more structured export logistics network around Jodhpur.
Wider Shipping Network Gives Exporters More Flexibility
The service operates in collaboration with major shipping and logistics partners, including Hapag-Lloyd, J.M. Baxi Group, MSC and OOCL.
Access to multiple shipping partners can give exporters greater flexibility when planning international shipments. It can also improve their ability to align inland transportation with vessel schedules and destination requirements.
A stronger connection between an inland production centre and a major port can ultimately help reduce friction across the export supply chain.
Boost for Rajasthan’s Export Competitiveness
The development comes at a time when logistics efficiency is becoming increasingly important for Indian exporters competing in global markets.
Lower inland transportation costs, improved container availability and more reliable cargo movement can help businesses compete on price and delivery timelines. For Rajasthan’s traditional export clusters, better logistics infrastructure could also support expansion into new international markets.
The Furniture Express model could therefore have implications beyond the movement of containers. If utilisation continues to rise, it could encourage more exporters and manufacturers to use organised multimodal logistics networks rather than relying predominantly on fragmented transportation arrangements.
Potential Impact on Local Businesses and Employment
Improved logistics connectivity can also create indirect benefits for Jodhpur’s industrial ecosystem. Higher export volumes can increase demand for packaging, warehousing, freight forwarding, customs-related services and other ancillary activities.
Furniture and handicraft manufacturers could also benefit from greater certainty around shipment schedules, allowing them to manage production and inventory more efficiently.
Over the longer term, improved connectivity with Mundra could strengthen Jodhpur’s position as an important export-oriented manufacturing and handicraft hub in western India.
Market Outlook
The progress of Furniture Express highlights the growing importance of last-mile and inland connectivity in India’s export infrastructure. The movement of more than 2,100 containers across 36 trains indicates that the service has gained meaningful traction within a relatively short operating period.
For Rajasthan exporters, the combination of local empty-container availability, scheduled rail movement and access to multiple shipping partners could help improve logistics efficiency and reduce avoidable transportation costs.
Going forward, the key indicators will be container volumes, train frequency, utilisation of the Jodhpur ICD and the expansion of the service to additional export categories. Sustained growth in cargo volumes could strengthen Jodhpur’s role in Rajasthan’s export network and demonstrate the potential of dedicated rail-based logistics to connect inland manufacturing clusters with major Indian ports.