JSW Infrastructure Limited, part of the JSW Group and India’s second-largest private commercial port operator, has announced the acquisition of a brownfield rail siding at Kudathini in Ballari, Karnataka. The purchase has been made through its wholly owned subsidiary, JSW Port Logistics Private Limited, at a consideration of about ₹57 crore. The 86-acre facility was earlier owned by Hothur Ispat Private Limited.
This acquisition is being seen as a crucial step in JSW Infrastructure’s strategy to build a pan-India logistics network and strengthen its position as an integrated logistics solutions provider. The company plans to create a network of rail-linked terminals and expand multimodal connectivity, particularly through container rail services across key industrial corridors. At present, JSW Infrastructure operates rail-linked terminals in Panvel, Maharashtra, and Morbi, Gujarat, while also developing a Gati Shakti Terminal at Arakkonam near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
The Kudathini site is set to be transformed into a modern Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) featuring advanced land infrastructure, container handling systems, a Rail Freight Terminal (RFT) and a fully equipped Inland Container Depot (ICD). Commercial operations are expected to begin within the next six months in phases. The total investment earmarked for the project is around ₹380 crore, which includes the ₹57 crore spent on the acquisition. The capex will be deployed over the next few years in line with operational milestones.
Located close to JSW Steel’s flagship Vijayanagar plant and other group businesses in cement, paints and energy, the Kudathini logistics hub is strategically positioned to support efficient movement of raw materials and finished goods. Its proximity to a strong industrial ecosystem that includes mining companies, iron ore processors, agri-product firms and manufacturers of cement, chemicals and steel is also expected to drive significant third-party cargo volumes.
Currently, the Ballari region does not have a rail-linked Inland Container Depot, forcing containerized EXIM cargo to move by road, which raises logistics costs. The upcoming ICD at Kudathini is expected to bring down costs considerably while offering customers an integrated, end-to-end logistics solution.
