Why in news?
The Sonik Integrated Logistics Hub is India’s first integrated logistics facility under the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals initiative, located strategically near Lucknow (50 km away) and Kanpur (20 km away) in Uttar Pradesh.
 
Key Features

• Location: Situated between Lucknow and Kanpur, linking major industrial and urban zones for efficient logistics.​
• Integrated Services: Offers end-to-end logistics solutions including warehousing, distribution, cargo handling, and inventory management.​
• Door-to-Door Model: Enables industries to send specified containers without filling a full rake, bridging gaps between factories and rail loading/unloading points.​
• Cargo Types: Handles diverse commodities such as fertilizers, cement, food grains, and agricultural equipment like tractors and JCBs.​
• Management: Operated by Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) for seamless service and multimodal connectivity.​
• Infrastructure: Features modern warehousing facilities and amenities for labor and customers.​
• Technology: Bookings and tracking through CONCOR e-Logistics mobile app.​

Benefits

• Efficiency: Multimodal logistics hub significantly lowers logistical costs and improves speed, delivering up to 7.5% cost savings and 30% faster transit versus road transport.​
• Flexibility: Multiple booking and delivery options—door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, or hybrid services.​
• Connectivity: Initial focus on Mumbai–Kolkata corridor with plans to expand to more cities for wider reach.​
• Support for Farmers: Affordable transport for tractors/heavy equipment helps agricultural sector.​

Implementation

• Under Gati Shakti: Part of the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals initiative, supporting development of 115 multimodal terminals across India.​
• Transformative Shift: Marks Indian Railways’ growth into a comprehensive logistics provider offering first and last mile connectivity.

Two notable services were launched alongside the hub:

1. Assured Transit Container Train (Delhi–Kolkata route) — a bi-weekly service with a guaranteed transit time of 120 hours and flexible booking options (door-to-door, door-to-terminal, terminal-to-door, terminal-to-terminal).
2. Door-to-Door Parcel Service (Mumbai–Kolkata route) — uses rail parcel vans for pick-up, core rail transport, and last-mile delivery, reducing logistics costs by 7.5% and transit time by nearly 30% compared to road transport.

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