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Indian Railways' Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) policy has attracted nearly ₹10,000 crore in private investment, with 142 cargo terminals commissioned across the country since the initiative was launched. The policy aims to expand rail-based freight infrastructure by encouraging private sector participation in cargo handling and multimodal logistics.
According to the Ministry of Railways, an additional 310 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals have received approval, indicating continued momentum in the development of freight infrastructure. The programme is designed to improve cargo evacuation, strengthen multimodal connectivity and increase the share of freight transported by rail.
The GCT policy, introduced to simplify the development of rail-linked logistics facilities, allows private companies, public sector entities and logistics operators to establish cargo terminals under a streamlined approval process. The framework is intended to reduce project timelines while expanding access to rail freight services for multiple industries.
The commissioned terminals support the handling of a wide range of commodities, including agricultural products, cement, steel, containers, automobiles, coal and industrial raw materials. By integrating rail infrastructure with road networks and industrial clusters, the terminals are expected to improve cargo movement efficiency and lower logistics costs.
The expansion of the GCT network aligns with the government's broader logistics strategy under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on enhancing multimodal connectivity and developing integrated freight infrastructure. Increased private investment in cargo terminals is also expected to strengthen supply chain resilience and create additional capacity to meet growing freight demand.
Railway officials said the continued rollout of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals is expected to improve first- and last-mile connectivity, support industrial growth and contribute to the long-term objective of increasing rail's share in India's freight transportation market.
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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate three key sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) to the nation during his visit to Vadodara on September 8, marking the completion of the project. The three sections, Sanand (North)-Makarpura, New Umbergaon-New Saphale and New Saphale-JNPT cover 326 route kilometres and have been developed at a cost of more than ₹20,700 crore. Commissioning the sections will provide direct connectivity to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), enabling faster movement of EXIM cargo, strengthening links between industrial centres and ports, reducing logistics costs, and helping decongest Mumbai’s railway network. With these sections becoming operational, the Dedicated Freight Corridor network will be fully operational across its entire length. The dedicated freight infrastructure is expected to improve multimodal connectivity, reduce transit times and facilitate smoother cargo movement across regions. Prime Minister Modi will also flag off freight train services from New Sanand (North), New Makarpura, New Umbergaon and New JNPT in Mumbai. In addition, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for three railway projects spanning 329 km and costing more than ₹9,700 crore. These include the Vadodara-Ratlam third and fourth lines, the Miyagam Karjan-Choranda-Malsar gauge conversion, and the Vishwamitri-Dabhoi doubling project. The projects are aimed at enhancing passenger and freight capacity and easing congestion between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The developments come as the government seeks to strengthen rail-based freight infrastructure and improve connectivity between industrial production centres, ports and national logistics networks. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has stepped up efforts to strengthen rail-based container evacuation and multimodal connectivity between the port and major consumption and distribution centres in the Mumbai region. JNPA Chairman Gaurav Dayal, IAS, accompanied by Deputy Chairman Ravish Singh, IRTS, and senior port officials, conducted a field inspection of key railway infrastructure along the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) route. The inspection focused on infrastructure that could support faster and more efficient movement of containerised cargo from JNPA towards Bhiwandi, one of the region’s prominent warehousing and distribution hubs. Improved rail connectivity to the logistics cluster is expected to help reduce transit times, enhance supply-chain efficiency and ease pressure on road networks handling container traffic. During the visit, the JNPA delegation inspected Kharbhav Railway Station to assess its strategic integration with the DFC and its potential role in facilitating container movement. The location is being evaluated in the context of improving rail connectivity between the port and inland consumption and distribution centres. The team also visited the Bhiwandi Warehousing Hub, where officials reviewed warehousing capacity, last-mile logistics infrastructure and storage readiness. With Bhiwandi serving as a major logistics and fulfilment cluster for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, efficient links between the port, rail network and warehousing facilities are increasingly important for supporting growing cargo volumes. Another key stop was New Nilanje Railway Station, which was inspected for its potential to serve as an additional freight node. The assessment forms part of broader efforts to identify infrastructure opportunities that can improve cargo evacuation and provide greater flexibility within the regional freight network. The DFC is designed to facilitate faster and more reliable freight transportation by providing dedicated rail infrastructure for goods movement. For ports such as JNPA, stronger integration with the freight corridor can support a shift towards rail-based cargo evacuation, potentially improving turnaround times while reducing dependence on road transport for longer-haul container movements. The latest field review highlights JNPA’s focus on developing an integrated logistics ecosystem linking port infrastructure with rail freight, warehousing and last-mile distribution. As cargo flows and supply-chain requirements continue to evolve, enhanced multimodal connectivity will remain critical to improving the efficiency, resilience and competitiveness of India’s logistics network. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) brought together leading exporters, importers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, customs brokers and logistics stakeholders at CONCOR Connect 2026 held at its Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Dadri, reaffirming its commitment to delivering world-class, customer-centric logistics solutions while strengthening engagement with the trade community. The event served as a strategic platform for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge sharing, reflecting CONCOR's continued focus on enhancing India's multimodal logistics ecosystem. The interactive customer engagement programme was attended by Sanjay Swarup, Chairman and Managing Director, CONCOR, along with senior company officials and representatives from across the logistics and EXIM trade. Addressing the gathering, Swarup highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between logistics service providers and trade partners in building an efficient, reliable and globally competitive supply chain network. He reiterated that customer feedback remains central to CONCOR's service enhancement initiatives and operational strategy. Participants were briefed on CONCOR's expanding portfolio of integrated logistics services, technological advancements and infrastructure capabilities. Discussions focused on improving cargo movement, increasing operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience and identifying solutions to emerging logistics challenges. Trade representatives also shared valuable insights and suggestions on service delivery, enabling constructive exchanges aimed at further strengthening CONCOR's offerings. The event showcased the strategic significance of MMLP Dadri, one of India's most important inland logistics hubs, which provides seamless multimodal connectivity through rail and road networks while supporting faster EXIM cargo movement. Positioned at the intersection of major freight corridors, the facility continues to play a pivotal role in improving supply chain efficiency for northern India. Recent infrastructure additions and dedicated freight connectivity have further strengthened Dadri's position as a key logistics gateway for domestic and international trade. Swarup emphasised that CONCOR remains committed to delivering reliable, efficient and cost-effective logistics solutions through continuous investment in infrastructure, digitalisation and customer-focused services. He also underlined the company's broader vision of supporting India's logistics transformation by offering integrated multimodal solutions that align with the government's infrastructure and trade facilitation initiatives. Beyond business discussions, CONCOR Connect 2026 reinforced the company's philosophy of building long-term partnerships with customers and stakeholders. The customer meet provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas and collectively explore new opportunities for improving logistics performance in an increasingly competitive market. As India continues investing in modern freight infrastructure and multimodal connectivity, such initiatives are expected to play an important role in fostering stronger industry collaboration, accelerating trade facilitation and supporting the country's ambition of becoming a globally competitive logistics hub. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
