China races with India to upgrade military logistics through rail networks

China is paying more attention to its railway network to improve military logistics. For years, China has valued its large rail system, but recent updates show it is now an important part of modernising the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). In July 2024, a key Communist Party resolution stressed better coordination between China’s military and railways, especially in transportation and logistics.

PLA teams up with China Railway

Following this resolution, China launched a joint project between the Central Military Commission (CMC) and China Railway. This project aims to align military and civilian logistics systems making military transport faster and more efficient. A key part of this partnership is that civilian railway authorities will now be evaluated based on how well they manage military transport, showing the importance of this effort.

An example of this collaboration is the upgrade of a railway line leading to a key port. According to the South China Morning Post, the old railway line could not handle the PLA’s needs. However, with local authorities’ help it was upgraded within a year. This upgrade greatly improved efficiency cutting transport time from 10 hours by road to just 20 minutes by rail.

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In addition, military logistics centres are training civilian workers to handle military cargo and meet military transport demands. This teamwork helps both sectors work together better.

India’s use of railways for military transport

India also uses its railways as a key part of military logistics. The vast railway network, especially in border areas, helps the armed forces move quickly during emergencies. Indian Railways works closely with the Ministry of Defence to transport troops, equipment and supplies. Projects like the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) have made military transport faster and more efficient.

On June 14, 2021, the Indian Army tested the use of the DFC for moving military vehicles and equipment. This successful trial, conducted between New Rewari and New Phulera, showed how the DFC can speed up military transport through better coordination and faster trains.

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To further enhance skills and build logistics capabilities, the Indian Army and Indian Air Force signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara, on September 9, 2024. The signing, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw marked a major step in improving expertise in logistics operations. The MoU focusses on developing in-house knowledge and innovation to align with national plans like the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and the National Logistics Policy 2022.

Speaking at the event, Singh highlighted the importance of efficient logistics in military operations emphasising its role in mobilising forces quickly and seamlessly delivering resources. He described the collaboration as pivotal to achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in the defence sector, ensuring India’s logistics expertise is homegrown and its equipment is indigenously manufactured.

The defence minister further noted that the MoU would foster innovation, leadership and knowledge-sharing, shaping a new generation of logistics experts capable of meeting the needs of modern warfare.

Minister of Railways Vaishnaw expressed confidence that Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will empower the Armed Forces with advanced logistics education, research and innovation.

These trials and agreements are part of a larger plan to integrate railway infrastructure with military operations. India’s “Whole of the Nation Approach” ensures that infrastructure growth supports defence needs, preparing the country’s railways for future military mobilisation.

Comparing China and India’s strategies

Both China and India recognise how important railways are for military logistics, but they approach it differently. China focuses on direct cooperation between its military and civilian railways, with clear rules and performance checks for railway authorities. This effort is led by central authorities like the CMC and China Railway.

India, on the other hand, takes a broader approach by involving various agencies to improve military-civil coordination. The successful use of the DFC shows India’s planned and forward-thinking strategy to align infrastructure development with defence needs.

Despite these differences, both countries agree that fast and efficient rail transport is crucial for military readiness. China’s railway upgrades and India’s DFC trials show that railways are becoming a key part of national defence.

Role of railways in military logistics

For both India and China, railways are playing a bigger role in military transport. While this strengthens national defence, it is important to hope that these systems remain focussed on peacetime needs and not on conflict.