Surat’s traders are facing a truck shortage for transporting goods, as the country’s largest man-made fibers (MMF) hub is busy fulfilling orders ahead of Diwali for the northern and northeastern regions. This year, over 80,000 packages valued at $29.73 million are being transported by cargo trains to ensure timely delivery of products before the Diwali festivities. So far, textile markets have requested 11 special trains, each consisting of 25 cargo wagons, to deliver goods to northern and northeastern states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Seven of these trains have already made their deliveries, with the remaining ones set to depart over the next four days. Each day, around 350 trucks transport textiles to the Northern and Northeastern states, but a growing number of packages are waiting to be shipped. Warehouses and storage spaces in the textile markets are filled to capacity. After nearly five years, traders are optimistic, reporting a promising Diwali season ahead.
“In many parts of the country, there is a significant rush to supply goods due to high demand. With the truck shortage, we opted to use rail transport, and seven cargo trains have already completed their deliveries,” said Kailash Hakim, President of the Federation of Surat Trade and Textile Associations (FOSTTA).
About a month ago, the FOSTTA forum met with railway officials to arrange for 22 trains. Simultaneously, they submitted a request for 11 cargo trains.
The extended wedding season has driven strong demand for textile products nationwide, according to Sunil Jain, chairman of the South Gujarat Textile Traders Association (SGTTA). “This season comes after a five-year hiatus, so the current purchasing isn’t solely for Diwali; it’s a positive sign for the textile industry,” he noted.
Surat’s traders are facing a truck shortage for transporting goods, as the country’s largest man-made fibers (MMF) hub is busy fulfilling orders ahead of Diwali for the northern and northeastern regions. This year, over 80,000 packages valued at $29.73 million are being transported by cargo trains to ensure timely delivery of products before the Diwali festivities. So far, textile markets have requested 11 special trains, each consisting of 25 cargo wagons, to deliver goods to northern and northeastern states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
