Indian Railways has commissioned 112 Gati Shakti Multimodal Cargo Terminals (GCTs), exceeding its FY24-25 target of 100, signalling strong momentum in the government’s cargo infrastructure programme.

Announced in December 2021 under the Gati Shakti Multimodal Cargo Terminal Policy, the initiative aims to boost private investment, expand terminal capacity, and increase the railway’s share in cargo movement. Since commissioning, the GCTs have handled 301.7 million tonne of cargo, including coal, containers, foodgrains, fertilisers, cement, petroleum, automobiles, and crane consignments. Development is being pursued on both private land and railway-owned land along the Western and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridors.

Under Schedule 1, private players can build terminals on their own land, while Schedule 2 covers projects on railway or Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation land. Eligible developers include logistics service providers, warehousing investors, container train operators, and manufacturers. The policy introduced simplified approvals, common-user terminal provisions, and reduced land licence fees to attract investment. The achievement underscores progress toward creating an efficient, multimodal freight ecosystem.