The Indian government plans to develop 200 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) under the public-private partnership (PPP) model along new Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) in the coming years. This expansion aims to shift freight movement from roads to railways, improving efficiency and sustainability.

Currently, India has 77 operational GCTs, with the average cost per terminal estimated at Rs 70 crore. The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) operates four GCTs, and plans to commission six more by FY26. “There are a total of 115 stations on DFCs and 50–55 are suitable for Gati Shakti terminals,” said Praveen Kumar, MD of DFCCIL. He added that the western DFC is expected to be fully commissioned by December 2025, with tenders already attracting strong interest from private players. The total cost of constructing the DFC network is Rs 1.24 lakh crore.

Kumar noted that, although high-speed freight corridors have long gestation periods, their efficiency gains could improve Indian Railways’ operational revenues and enable cross-subsidy for passenger services. Currently, road transport accounts for 46 percent of logistics and railways just 26 percent. The goal is to reverse this share through integrated and sustainable freight infrastructure under the PM Gati Shakti initiative.