Delhi Metro Rail (DMRC) is to begin a three-month trial of cargo services on the Airport Express line in India.

DMRC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a specialised cargo agency for the services, which will begin on 1 March.

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Only non-perishable / e-commerce items will be transported along the 23km line, which connects Indira Gandhi International Airport to New Delhi Railway Station.

According to DMRC, the trials will help to assess cargo volumes that could potentially be generated on this route in both directions, especially e-commerce cargo.

"Only non-perishable / e-commerce items will be transported along the 23km line."

Depending on the results, a tender for a long-term arrangement could be floated by DMRC.

The initiative may also lead to faster transportation and the reduction of cargo vehicles on roads, which will lower CO2 emissions.

Trains on the Airport Express line have separate coaches for passengers and luggage.

In January, DMRC awarded Thales a contract to upgrade fare collection systems across the metro’s Phase I and Phase II stations.

The deal will see Thales provide additional ticketing machines and access gates to improve travel facilities.

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