DP World- Deendayal Port Authority and Nevomo to Launch India’s First Magnetic Propulsion Cargo Movement System at Kandla
In a pioneering step towards modernising and decarbonising India’s port logistics, DP World has signed an agreement with Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, and Nevomo, a European deep-tech company, to introduce a first-of-its-kind magnetic propulsion solution for self-propelled rail movement of bulk cargo and containers at Deendayal Port.
The collaboration aims to deploy Nevomo’s proprietary MagRail Booster technology, marking the first-ever demonstration of this advanced system in a live Indian port environment. The initiative marks a significant milestone in India’s transition to next-generation, automated, and low-emission port operations, aligning with the Government of India’s PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines.
Under the agreement, the three partners will jointly design and install a 750-metre MagRail Booster pilot track within Deendayal Port. The system will demonstrate the use of magnetic propulsion for fully automated and sustainable cargo movement using existing railway infrastructure, without the need for conventional locomotives. By enabling rail wagons to move independently, the MagRail Booster aims to boost port throughput capacity, reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and enhance safety and efficiency in port operations.
Revolutionising Port Rail Logistics
The MagRail Booster technology is designed as an enhancement to existing rail systems, offering a retrofit solution that enables the self-propelled movement of rail wagons without the need for external engines. This innovation eliminates the dependence on traditional diesel locomotives, significantly reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution.
In the context of Indian ports, where bulk and containerised cargo movement heavily relies on diesel-powered shunting locomotives, this system could transform port logistics. The technology will minimise turnaround time, reduce manpower requirements, and enable continuous cargo flow, particularly beneficial for ports handling high cargo volumes such as Kandla, India’s largest public port by cargo throughput.
Strategic Feasibility Study
Alongside the pilot project, DP World, DPA, and Nevomo will conduct a strategic feasibility study to explore large-scale implementation of MagRail technology across major Indian ports. The study will assess the integration potential within existing port layouts, operational cost savings, environmental benefits, and alignment with India’s growing emphasis on green and smart logistics.
Officials noted that the project supports the Government of India’s vision of developing sustainable maritime infrastructure under the Harit Sagar initiative, which promotes carbon neutrality, energy efficiency, and digitalization in port operations.
Strengthening India’s Green Port Vision
DP World, a leading global end-to-end logistics provider, has been at the forefront of digital transformation and sustainable innovation across its global network of ports and terminals. Through this collaboration, the company aims to bring cutting-edge European rail technology into the Indian logistics ecosystem, reinforcing India’s ambition to become a global leader in smart, eco-friendly port operations.
Speaking on the partnership, DP World officials emphasized that the MagRail Booster project represents a technological leap in port automation, offering a scalable model that can be adapted across India’s major port clusters. The initiative is expected to strengthen multimodal logistics connectivity, reduce carbon intensity, and complement government-led programs such as GatiShakti and the National Logistics Policy (NLP).
Nevomo’s Entry into the Indian Market
For Nevomo, this marks its entry into the Indian logistics and infrastructure sector, with the Deendayal Port pilot serving as a showcase of its MagRail technology’s adaptability to real-world port environments. The company’s magnetic rail propulsion system is already under advanced testing in Europe, where it has demonstrated significant efficiency and environmental gains compared to traditional rail systems.
The Kandla project thus stands as a landmark collaboration between Indian port authorities, global logistics leaders, and deep-tech innovators, paving the way for a new era of automated, emission-free, and high-capacity cargo movement.
If successful, the pilot could serve as a model for replication across India’s major ports — including Mundra, JNPT, Chennai, and Paradip — and potentially transform the future of rail-based port logistics across Asia.
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