DP World has signed an Agreement with Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) and Nevomo to deploy a first-of-its-kind magnetic propulsion solution that enables self-propelled rail movement of bulk cargo and containers at Deendayal Port. DP World will leverage the European deep-tech company Nevomo’s proprietary MagRail Booster technology to demonstrate its use in a live Indian port environment. The initiative marks a significant step toward setting the stage for the next generation of automated, low-emission port operations in India.
The MoU was exchanged in the august presence of the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, between Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), and Yuvraj Narayan, Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer of DP World, during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.
Under the agreement, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), DP World, and Nevomo will collaborate to design and install a 750-metre MagRail Booster pilot track within the port. The system will demonstrate fully automated and sustainable cargo movement using existing rail infrastructure, reducing the need for conventional locomotives while improving port capacity (throughput), efficiency and safety. Alongside this installation, a strategic feasibility study will assess the potential for large-scale deployment of MagRail technology across Indian ports, aligned with the Government of India’s PM Gati Shakti Master Plan and the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines.
The implementation of MagRail technology marks a major advancement in modernising cargo movement within the port ecosystem. MagRail systems are designed to automate short-haul cargo transfers, which refer to the movement of goods over short distances within or near the port, such as between terminals, warehouses, and container yards. The equipment will be installed directly onto the existing rail tracks and existing rolling stock modified, requiring no new track construction, ensuring minimal disruption and quicker low cost deployment. With existing track access rights in line with the project schedule, this system will help reduce reliance on diesel-powered road vehicles, lower carbon emissions, and enhance yard efficiency. The implementation of advanced solutions like the MagRail will further virtually increase operational performance and position the port as a test bed for next-generation, sustainable transport technologies in India.
Commenting on the collaboration, Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), said, “This partnership marks an important milestone in Deendayal Port’s journey towards technological modernisation and sustainable growth. By introducing MagRail innovation in collaboration with DP World, we are taking a decisive step towards automating cargo movement and setting new standards in operational efficiency. This initiative not only strengthens India’s port infrastructure but also reinforces our commitment to building greener, smarter gateways that support the nation’s long-term trade and logistics ambitions.
Yuvraj Narayan, the Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer of DP World, said, “This agreement with Deendayal Port Authority and Nevomo marks a pivotal step in reimagining how cargo moves within India’s ports. By facilitating the implementation of MagRail technology at Deendayal Port with Nevomo, we are showcasing India’s readiness to adopt next-generation logistics that are faster, safer, and more sustainable. This initiative sets a benchmark for future port modernisation across the country — turning innovation into a blueprint for scalable, greener infrastructure.”
Harjinder (Harj) Dhaliwal Acting Chief Executive Officer, Nevomo, said, “We are proud to partner with Deendayal Port and DP World to bring the MagRail technology to India – one of the most dynamic logistics markets in the world. This collaboration demonstrates how magnetic rail systems retrofitted to existing assets can enhance existing infrastructure, improving efficiency and reducing carbon emissions without costly overhauls.”
This partnership marks a progressive step in DP World’s journey to modernise India’s port infrastructure through cutting-edge, sustainable technologies. By integrating MagRail innovation with our global expertise in logistics, the initiative demonstrates how future-ready solutions can redefine efficiency and sustainability at Indian ports—offering a model the wider industry can look to as it evolves alongside India’s trade ambitions.
