Maruti Suzuki Sets Rail Dispatch Record in 2025, Moves 5.85 Lakh Cars

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has achieved its highest-ever rail-based vehicle dispatch in calendar year 2025, transporting more than 5.85 lakh vehicles by train. The milestone represents an 18% increase over 2024 and highlights the automaker’s deepening commitment to rail-led logistics as part of its long-term sustainability strategy.

Rail Logistics Help Cut Emissions and Fuel Use

The increased use of rail transport in 2025 delivered significant environmental benefits. According to the company:

• 87,904 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions were avoided

• Over 687 lakh litres of fuel were saved during the year

The shift from road to rail has also helped reduce highway congestion and lower dependence on fossil fuels.

Rail Share in Vehicle Dispatches Grows Sharply

Fivefold Increase Over a Decade

Maruti Suzuki’s reliance on rail for outbound vehicle movement has grown rapidly over the past decade:

• Rail share rose from 5.1% in 2016 to around 26% in 2025

• Rail-based dispatch volumes increased over 7.5 times, from nearly 77,000 units in 2016 to more than 5.85 lakh units in 2025

Early Adopter of Rail-Based Vehicle Transportation

Maruti Suzuki has been a pioneer in rail logistics in India. The company became the first automobile manufacturer in the country to secure an Automobile-Freight-Train-Operator licence in 2013.

Since FY2014–15, it has:

• Transported over 28 lakh vehicles by rail

• Operated from 22 dispatch points

• Served more than 600 cities using a hub-and-spoke distribution model

Flexi-Deck Rakes and In-Plant Sidings Drive Efficiency

Rail Operations in 2025

Currently, Maruti Suzuki operates over 45 flexi-deck rakes, each capable of carrying around 260 vehicles per trip.

In CY2025:

• 53% of total rail movement originated from in-plant railway sidings at Gujarat and Manesar facilities

India’s First In-Plant Railway Siding at Gujarat Facility

Maruti Suzuki also operates India’s first in-plant railway siding at its Gujarat manufacturing facility. Key highlights include:

• Capacity to move up to three lakh vehicles annually

• Connectivity to 15 locations across India

• Fully electrified infrastructure

According to the company, the siding is expected to:

• Reduce annual carbon emissions by around 1,650 metric tonnes

• Cut up to 50,000 truck trips per year

• Save nearly 35 million litres of fossil fuel annually

Leadership Commentary on Rail Milestone

Speaking on the achievement, Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said:

“The year 2025 marks our highest-ever rail dispatch, with over 5.85 lakh units. During the year, we strengthened our green logistic efforts through two landmark events– the inauguration of India’s largest automobile in-plant railway siding at our Manesar facility, and second was we dispatched vehicles by rail to Kashmir valley through the world's highest railway arch bridge over Chenab river, a first by any automobile manufacturer. Our mid-term goal is to increase rail-based vehicle dispatches to 35% by FY 2030-31#, contributing to India’s net-zero ambition by 2070.”

He added:

“Maruti Suzuki India Limited has adopted a comprehensive ‘Circular Mobility’ approach to sustainability, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint across the entire vehicle lifecycle—from design and production to logistics and end-of-life vehicle (ELV) management.”

Conclusion

Maruti Suzuki’s record 5.85 lakh rail dispatches in 2025 underline how railways are becoming a central pillar of the company’s logistics and sustainability roadmap. With expanding in-plant railway infrastructure, rising rail share in dispatches, and ambitious medium-term targets, the automaker is positioning rail transport as a key enabler in reducing emissions, conserving fuel, and supporting India’s long-term net-zero goals.