What is the news?

• • Maruti Suzuki, a leading automobile manufacturer in India, has achieved a significant milestone by establishing the country’s first in-plant railway siding at its Gujarat facility.

• • Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated this project in March 2024, marking a pivotal step towards sustainable transportation practices in the Indian automotive industry.

Colaboration among whom:

The successful development of India’s first in-plant railway siding at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat facility was a collaborative effort between several key players. Here’s a breakdown of the collaboration:

• • Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL): They played a central role by constructing the railway line within their plant at a cost of Rs 105 crore and will be the primary user of the siding for dispatching finished cars.
• • Government of Gujarat: The project aligns with the government’s goals for sustainable development and infrastructure improvement. Their involvement likely included facilitating permissions and potentially offering incentives for the project.
• • Gujarat Rail Infrastructure Development Company (G-RIDE): This is a partnership between the Gujarat government and Indian Railways. Their expertise in railway infrastructure development was likely crucial for planning and potentially even construction aspects of the siding.
• • Indian Railways: As the national railway provider, Indian Railways would be responsible for connecting the siding to their broader network, ensuring smooth transportation of vehicles.

Boosting Production and Sustainability:

• • The in-plant railway siding, constructed entirely by Maruti Suzuki at a cost of Rs 105 crore, will significantly enhance the company’s logistics capabilities. The project aims to increase the use of railways for dispatching finished cars, aiming to rise from 26% to 40% annually. This shift is expected to translate into substantial environmental benefits.

What is the aim of this Project?

The aim of India’s first automobile in-plant railway siding at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat facility is multifaceted, focusing on environmental and logistical improvements:

• • Reduced Carbon Footprint: By shifting car transportation from trucks to railways, the project aims to significantly decrease the overall carbon footprint associated with Maruti Suzuki’s logistics . This aligns with India’s goals for sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• • Lower Fossil Fuel Consumption: Replacing truck trips with trains leads to a substantial reduction in diesel fuel consumption. Estimates suggest a decrease of around 35 million liters of fuel annually, leading to cost savings for Maruti Suzuki and a benefit for the environment .
• • Reduced Road Congestion: Fewer trucks on the road translate to alleviated traffic congestion, particularly on highways used for long-distance car transportation. This not only benefits Maruti Suzuki’s logistics efficiency but also improves overall traffic flow for other vehicles.
• • Increased Efficiency: Utilizing railways for car dispatch is generally considered more efficient than relying solely on trucks. Trains can transport larger quantities of vehicles in a single trip, potentially reducing transportation time and associated costs

By utilizing railways more extensively, Maruti Suzuki anticipates a reduction of 50,000 truck trips per year. This translates to a significant decrease in fuel consumption, estimated at around 35 million liters annually. Additionally, the initiative is projected to cut down on carbon emissions by a remarkable 1,650 tonnes per year, contributing positively to the environment.

Expansion and Future Prospects:

• • The newly built railway siding boasts a current parking capacity of 800 cars, with the potential to expand and accommodate up to 3,000 cars in the future. This scalability ensures Maruti Suzuki can handle increased production volumes while maintaining its commitment to sustainable practices.

Maruti Suzuki’s Dedication to Green Mobility:

• • The inauguration of India’s first in-plant railway siding signifies Maruti Suzuki’s dedication to sustainable mobility solutions. This innovative project paves the way for a greener future in the Indian automobile industry by promoting eco-friendly logistics and reducing the environmental impact of car manufacturing.

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General Studies

Current Affairs Quiz

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1 / 5

Category: General Studies

One of the potential challenges associated with expanding in-plant railway sidings in the Indian automobile industry, as mentioned in the passage, is:

Lower operational costs compared to road transportation

Increased flexibility in reaching dealerships across the country

Government subsidies for infrastructure development

Requirement for additional investment in railway infrastructure

Answer: (d)

• • Explanation: The editorial discusses the need for investment in building new sidings within manufacturing plants. Option (a) contradicts the benefit of efficiency mentioned in the passage. While flexibility (b) might be a concern, (c) is not a listed challenge.

2 / 5

Category: General Studies

Which of the following statements is MOST CORRECT according to the passage on India's first automobile in-plant railway siding?

The project is solely funded by the Indian government.

The siding is expected to significantly increase car production.

The project eliminates the need for road transportation entirely.

Maruti Suzuki is the primary user of the siding for dispatching cars.

Answer: (d)

• • Explanation: The editorial mentions Maruti Suzuki constructing the siding and being the primary user. While government involvement likely exists, it's not the sole funder (a). Production increase (b) is not the main aim, and the siding is an alternative, not a replacement (c) for road transport.

3 / 5

Category: General Studies

The in-plant railway siding project aligns with India's goals for sustainable development because it contributes to:

Increased international trade of automobiles

Reduced dependence on foreign oil imports

Lower greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector

All of the above

Answer: (c)

• • Explanation: The editorial emphasizes the environmental benefits of the siding by reducing reliance on trucks. While trade (a) and oil dependence (b) might be indirectly impacted, reducing emissions (c) is the primary sustainability benefit.

4 / 5

Category: General Studies

The in-plant railway siding inaugurated at Maruti Suzuki's Gujarat facility is a significant development because it primarily aims to:

Reduce the cost of car production

Increase the production capacity of the plant

Improve fuel efficiency of manufactured cars

Promote sustainable car transportation logistics

Answer: (d)

• • Explanation: The editorial highlights the environmental benefits of the siding by reducing reliance on trucks and their emissions. Options (a), (b), and (c) are not directly linked to the siding's purpose.

5 / 5

Category: General Studies

The collaboration between Maruti Suzuki, the Government of Gujarat, and Indian Railways in developing the in-plant siding is an example of:

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for infrastructure development

Focus of Indian companies on import substitution

Introduction of stricter emission regulations in the auto industry

Government intervention to control fuel prices

Answer: (a)

• • Explanation: The editorial describes how different entities came together for a common goal. This exemplifies a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

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Mains Questions:

Model Answer:

The inauguration of India’s first automobile in-plant railway siding at Maruti Suzuki marks a significant development for the Indian automobile industry. This project offers several potential benefits:

• • Environmental Sustainability: Shifting car transportation from trucks to railways significantly reduces carbon emissions and fuel consumption, aligning with India’s sustainability goals.
  • Logistical Efficiency: Railways offer a more efficient mode of transport, potentially reducing transportation costs and time compared to relying solely on trucks.
  • Reduced Traffic Congestion: Shifting car movement to railways alleviates road congestion, especially on highways used for long-distance car transportation.

However, there are also potential challenges to consider:

• • Infrastructure Development: Expanding railway infrastructure, particularly dedicated sidings within manufacturing plants, requires significant investment and planning.
  • Connectivity and Flexibility: Railway networks might not offer the same level of point-to-point flexibility as trucks, potentially impacting delivery timelines for dealerships.
  • Integration with Existing Systems: Integrating railway movement with existing logistics systems within the automobile industry requires careful planning and coordination.

Model Answer:

Collaborative efforts between government, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and private companies play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals in India. The example of India’s first automobile in-plant railway siding highlights the effectiveness of such partnerships:

• • Government: The government provides the framework for sustainable development through policies, incentives, and facilitating infrastructure projects.
  • PSUs: PSUs like Indian Railways contribute expertise and existing infrastructure, playing a vital role in implementing sustainable logistics solutions.
  • Private Companies: Private companies like Maruti Suzuki invest in innovative projects like in-plant sidings, driving efficiency and promoting environmental responsibility.

This collaboration allows for a comprehensive approach, leveraging the strengths of each entity. However, successful collaboration requires:

• • Clear Vision and Allocation of Roles: A well-defined vision and clear allocation of roles among all stakeholders ensures effective project execution.
  • Streamlined Bureaucracy: Simplifying bureaucratic processes facilitates timely project approvals and reduces implementation delays.
  • Focus on Long-Term Benefits: All parties involved must prioritize long-term environmental and economic benefits over short-term gains.

By fostering successful collaboration, India can accelerate progress towards achieving its sustainable development goals.

Remember, these are just two examples of UPSC Mains questions inspired by the current news. Feel free to modify and adapt them further to fit your specific needs and writing style. Good luck with your preparation!

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