In January 2021, GatewayRail Freight Limited (GatewayRail) ordered six additional Konecranes reach stackers to replace old models and expand their operations in northern and western India. Delivery took place in March, when the new machines joined a large fleet of Konecranes lift trucks already operating at the GatewayRail facilities.
Headquartered in New Delhi, GatewayRail is the number one private intermodal operator in India, providing end-to-end logistics through four inland container depots (Gurugram and Fairdabad in Delhi, Ludhiana in Punjab, Ahmedabad in Gujarat), one domestic container terminal (Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra), and its own dedicated rail network between these facilities as well as connections to three ports on the western coast. It also has 335 trailers that support the trains by road, with all services and deliveries under 24/7 real-time tracking. An operation of this scale requires a large fleet of container handling equipment, so to manage a growing amount of freight passing through their operations, they decided to order six more reach stackers, a purchase that will bring the total number of Konecranes reach stackers in the GatewayRail fleet to 28.
“We’ve been using Konecranes equipment since 2011, and we’ve been very impressed,” says Srinivas Reddy, Senior Vice President for Gateway Group. “We work our reach stackers hard, non-stop around the clock, and the time has come to retire our two oldest units. But our business continues to expand, so we need more than just replacements to build our operations further. Konecranes lift trucks have always demonstrated outstanding productivity, ergonomics and fuel efficiency in a challenging work environment. Local distributor Portrucks has given us exceptional on-site assistance, including spare parts and maintenance on behalf of Konecranes.”
“This is a customer with whom we share a long and special business relationship,” says Tobias Nilsson, Sales Director, Konecranes Lift Trucks. “GatewayRail needed this particular order in just a couple of months, and they were very pleased that we were able to deliver on such a tight schedule. The fact that they have put their trust in such a large Konecranes fleet shows that they appreciate the quality of our products and the regional customer support they get from Portrucks that helps us to maintain our services.”
The six new lift trucks delivered to GatewayRail in March are Konecranes SMV 4628 TC5 reach stackers, specially designed for efficient container handling up to 46 tons and particularly suited for intermodal terminals. A wheelbase of 6400 mm gives the right balance between stability and maneuverability. Their Stage 3A (also known as Tier 3) engines are designed to meet emissions standards while maintaining full power and load capacity. All six reach stackers have been equipped with a new OPTIMA cabin for outstanding visibility and comfort as well as quality core components for high stability, safe handling, and long-lasting performance. Safety is enhanced with a fire suppression system, an essential feature in the hot and demanding working conditions in which the trucks will operate.
A strong focus on customers and a commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes a lifting industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalization and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that decarbonize the economy and advance circularity and safety.
