Vadodara: In a first for Dahej Port Siding, Western Railway has successfully loaded and dispatched a fertiliser rake to Latur in Maharashtra, marking a significant diversification of freight operations at a facility that has traditionally handled coal traffic.

The inaugural fertiliser rake was dispatched on June 4, 2026, from Dahej Port Siding under the Vadodara Division. Comprising 21 Mini BCN wagons, the rake will travel approximately 926 km to Latur. The movement is expected to generate freight revenue of Rs 20.54 lakh for the division.

Railway officials said the achievement reflects ongoing efforts to attract a wider range of cargo and improve the utilisation of existing railway infrastructure.

The initiative stems from a visit by Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Raju Bhadke to Dahej Siding in December 2025. During the inspection, discussions were held on leveraging the siding’s capacity to handle commodities other than coal. Following those deliberations, a decision was taken to commence fertiliser loading operations from the facility, which has now become a reality.

Officials said the transportation of fertiliser will help ensure the timely and safe supply of the commodity to the agricultural sector while opening new avenues for freight business growth.

Railway authorities described the development as a new chapter for Dahej Port Siding, saying it is expected to pave the way for handling a broader range of commodities in the future. The Vadodara Division continues to focus on enhancing efficiency and expanding freight services to strengthen railway cargo operations. DeshGujarat