The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has taken a major step beyond its traditional urban transport operations by venturing into the port logistics sector. On Tuesday (28 October), DMRC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Umeandus Technology Private Limited, and BEML Limited to jointly develop a Real-Time Automated Cargo Evacuation System (e-FTS) at Kandla Port, Gujarat.
This partnership marks DMRC’s first foray into the maritime logistics domain, bringing its technical expertise in large-scale infrastructure management to the cargo and port automation space. The e-FTS project will begin as a pilot initiative, and upon successful commissioning, DMRC will take charge of operations and maintenance for 25 years. A detailed ‘Definitive Agreement’ outlining the specific roles and obligations of all stakeholders will be finalized shortly.
The e-FTS system is envisioned as a cutting-edge digital logistics solution integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Designed to optimize cargo handling at ports, it aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability, while significantly reducing turnaround time and operational costs compared to conventional methods.
The Officials noted that once the system demonstrates success at Kandla, it could be replicated across other Indian ports and logistics hubs, with possible customization based on local site conditions and client needs.
In a separate recognition, DMRC has been selected for the Indian Concrete Institute (ICI) Awards 2025 under the category of “Outstanding Prestressed Concrete Structure in the Country” for its Maujpur-Majlis Park metro corridor. The award will be presented during the upcoming ACECON Conference in Hyderabad this December.
The Maujpur-Majlis Park section, part of Delhi Metro’s Phase-IV expansion, extends the existing Pink Line and is set to become India’s first circular metro corridor, reinforcing DMRC’s commitment to engineering excellence and infrastructure innovation across multiple sectors.
