India’s Largest Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal

Current Affairs National

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-06-19 09:04:11 |

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The Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar facility was recently inaugurated by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and is now recognized as India’s largest automobile cargo terminal. This terminal promises to significantly strengthen logistics capabilities for automobile transport across the country. It is linked to the Patli railway station through a dedicated 10-kilometer rail line, which is part of the broader 121.7-kilometer Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor. The entire project required a substantial financial commitment, with a total investment of around ₹800 crore. Of this, the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation funded ₹684 crore while Maruti Suzuki provided the remaining amount. With the ability to handle 4.5 lakh automobiles annually, this terminal stands among the top in terms of capacity nationwide and aligns with India’s wider goal of modernizing railway infrastructure.

The Indian Railways has witnessed notable transformation since 2014, with its annual budget surging from ₹24,000 crore to an impressive ₹2.5 lakh crore. Passenger amenities at railway stations have improved remarkably, and the addition of more than 1,200 General Coaches in the past year demonstrates a strong focus on enhancing travel comfort. In terms of commuter services, the government has decided to increase the number of coaches in MEMU trains from the current range of 8-12 to a new standard of 16-20 coaches, catering especially to short-distance travelers. A new factory in Kazipet, Andhra Pradesh, will manufacture over 100 MEMU trains to support this expansion. The introduction of Namo Bharat trains also signals efforts to address rising passenger demand.

During the financial year 2023-24, Indian Railways transported nearly 720 crore passengers and achieved a freight movement of 1,617 million tonnes, earning the distinction of recording the second-highest freight volume globally. To ensure fair access to tickets, a reform in Tatkal booking will take effect on 1st July 2025, requiring Aadhaar authentication for booking tickets during the first 30 minutes. A pilot project in Bikaner is also testing the early preparation of reservation charts to further enhance the passenger experience.

The Amrit Bharat trains initiative has gained popularity, with three trains currently operating and six more on the way. Plans to produce fifty additional trains are progressing to expand connectivity. In Haryana, the railway budget has seen significant growth from ₹300 crore to ₹3,416 crore over the last eleven years. A total of 823 kilometers of new railway lines have been constructed, and the entire network in the state is now electrified. Various projects worth ₹11,800 crore are in progress, including the redevelopment of 34 railway stations. Additionally, the Railway Coach Factory in Sonipat is undergoing modernization to boost production capacity and support the increasing demand for advanced railway coaches.

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