Maruti Suzuki Sets Green Logistics Record: Dispatches 518,000 Vehicles via Railways, Saves 63 Million Liters of Fuel

Introduction
On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, India’s leading car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, announced a significant milestone in sustainable logistics. The company dispatched 518,000 vehicles via Indian Railways during the fiscal year 2024-25, marking its highest annual rail dispatch to date. This initiative not only enhances logistical efficiency but also contributes substantially to the country’s environmental objectives.

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Significant Increase in Rail Dispatches
In 2014-15, Maruti Suzuki transported only 65,700 vehicles through rail. This number has now surged to 518,000, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding its rail-based logistics.

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Fuel Savings and Emission Reductions
By opting for rail transport, Maruti Suzuki has saved approximately 63 million liters of diesel and prevented around 180,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions from entering the atmosphere. This move aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and underscores the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

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Increased Share of Rail Transport
A decade ago, only 1 in 20 vehicles was dispatched via rail. Today, that ratio has improved to 1 in 4, indicating a significant shift towards more sustainable transportation methods

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Future Goals
Maruti Suzuki aims to further increase the share of rail-based dispatches to 35% by FY 2030-31, reinforcing its long-term commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

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Extensive Logistics Network
The company currently operates through over 20 rail hubs, delivering vehicles to more than 600 cities across India. This extensive network ensures efficient distribution while minimizing environmental impact.

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Pioneering Rail-Based Vehicle Transport
In 2013, Maruti Suzuki became the first Indian automobile company to obtain an Automobile-Freight-Train-Operator (AFTO) license, allowing it to operate dedicated freight trains for vehicle transport. This strategic move has been instrumental in scaling up its rail logistics capabilities.

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Leadership’s Perspective
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, stated, “Reducing carbon emissions is a top priority for us, both in our products and operations. Our rail-based logistics initiative is a testament to our commitment to sustainable practices.”

Under his leadership, Maruti Suzuki has significantly expanded its use of rail transport, dispatching over 5.18 lakh vehicles via Indian Railways in FY 2024-25, marking the highest annual rail dispatch in the company’s history. This strategic shift has resulted in substantial environmental benefits, including the avoidance of over 1.8 lakh tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions and the saving of more than 63 million liters of fuel.

Since obtaining the Automobile-Freight-Train-Operator (AFTO) license in 2013, Maruti Suzuki has dispatched nearly 24 lakh vehicles through rail mode. The company currently operates over 40 flexi-deck rakes, each capable of carrying approximately 300 vehicles per trip, and utilizes more than 20 rail hubs to serve over 600 cities across India.

Looking ahead, Maruti Suzuki aims to increase the share of vehicle dispatches through railways to 35% by FY 2030-31, aligning with its broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and ease road congestion. This forward-thinking approach not only underscores the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship but also positions it as a leader in sustainable automotive logistics.

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Conclusion
Maruti Suzuki’s achievement in enhancing its rail-based logistics not only sets a benchmark in the automotive industry but also contributes significantly to environmental conservation. This initiative serves as a model for other companies aiming to integrate sustainability into their operations.

Since obtaining the Automobile-Freight-Train-Operator (AFTO) license in 2013, Maruti Suzuki has dispatched over 2 million vehicles via Indian Railways, marking a six-fold increase from 65,700 units in FY 2014-15 to 447,750 units in FY 2023-24. This strategic shift has led to cumulative savings of approximately 270 million liters of fuel and a reduction of around 10,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions over the past decade.

The company’s commitment to sustainable logistics is further exemplified by its investment of over ₹1,081 crore in commissioning India’s first in-plant railway siding at its Gujarat manufacturing facility. This infrastructure enables the dispatch of up to 300,000 cars annually, reducing road congestion and enhancing operational efficiency.

Looking ahead, Maruti Suzuki aims to increase the share of vehicles transported via railways to 35% by FY 2030-31, aligning with its goal to double production capacity to 4 million units per annum. This forward-thinking approach not only underscores the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship but also positions it as a leader in sustainable automotive logistics.

In summary, Maruti Suzuki’s rail-based logistics strategy exemplifies how integrating sustainability into core operations can yield significant environmental benefits while setting industry standards. As other companies look to reduce their carbon footprints, Maruti Suzuki’s model offers a compelling blueprint for achieving eco-friendly and efficient logistics.