India has commissioned 124 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) with a combined estimated traffic capacity of 198 million tonnes per annum, marking a significant step in strengthening freight logistics and regional connectivity across the national rail network.
The update was provided in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who outlined a multi-pronged strategy aimed at enhancing freight efficiency, ensuring seamless regional connectivity, and delivering robust first- and last-mile transport solutions.
Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals are modern rail freight handling facilities developed under the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal policy.
The initiative focuses on improving operational efficiency at terminals by encouraging private participation in building freight infrastructure while simultaneously upgrading railway-owned goods sheds.
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Beyond terminal development, the ministry has allocated ₹14,500 crore between financial years 2023-24 and 2025-26 to improve customer amenities at goods and parcel terminals nationwide, signalling continued investment in logistics capacity.
Parallel wagon investment schemes have also been rolled out to attract private sector participation, resulting in around 243 rakes of special-purpose wagons and 383 rakes of general-purpose wagons becoming operational.
These are expected to improve modal share for commodities such as cement, fly ash, steel products, iron ore, and coal.
Indian Railways has additionally introduced new wagon designs, commenced production of higher-throughput stainless steel body wagons, permitted enhanced loading in double-stack containers from approximately 26 tonnes to 30.5 tonnes, and initiated speed upgrades for 54 wagon variants to 100 Kmph.
The freight push is unfolding alongside a broader infrastructure expansion.
As of 01 April 2025, 431 railway infrastructure projects spanning 35,966 Km and costing about ₹6.75 lakh crore have been sanctioned, with 12,769 Km already commissioned across new lines, gauge conversions, and doubling works.
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