Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated automobile Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar facility. This project worth Rs. 800 crore is a part of Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, it aims to accelerate freight movement and supports passenger reforms, infrastructure development and new train manufacturing.
Introduction:
In a significant development in logistics and rail infrastructure, the Railway Minister, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw has inaugurated the country’s largest Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) for automobile logistics at Maruti Suzuki India Limited in Manesar, Haryana.
The terminal is worth Rs. 800 crore, is a significant milestone achieved by Indian railways, it aligns with the multi-modal transportation under the Gati Shakti National Master Plan. The GCT is connected to Patli railway station via a dedicated 10-km rail link, forming part of the 121.7 km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor. Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC) was the major investor of the project, it contributed Rs. 684 crore while the remaining amount was funded by Maruti Suzuki.
The terminal will run efficiently with a loading capacity of 4.5 lakh vehicles per year. It will promote green mobility goals of India by accelerated rail freight movement, it will also minimise logistics cost and streamline automobiles transport.
Major Announcements by the Minister:
- MEMU Train Expansion– Over 100 MEMU trains to be upgraded from 8–12 coaches to 16–20 coaches. A new manufacturing facility has been set up in Kazipet, Andhra Pradesh to support this.
- Namo Bharat Trains– Following strong public feedback, 50 new Namo Bharat trains will be produced to meet rising regional demand.
- Rail Performance in FY 2023–24– Indian Railways achieved significant milestones by transporting 720 crore passengers and 1,617 million tonnes of freight, making it the world’s second-highest freight transporter.
- Tatkal Booking Reform (From July 1, 2025)– Only Aadhaar and KYC-verified users can book Tatkal tickets in the first 30 minutes of the booking window to curb misuse and enhance genuine passenger access.
- Reservation Chart Reform (Pilot in Bikaner Division)– Passenger charts are now being prepared 24 hours in advance, compared to the previous 4 hours, enhancing planning and convenience.
Infrastructure Highlights in Haryana:
- Budget Surge- From Rs. 300 crore (pre-2014) to Rs. 3,416 crore in 2024
- New Lines- 823 km laid in the past 11 years
- Electrification- 100% of Haryana’s railway network
- Ongoing Projects- Rs. 11,800 crore across the state
- Station Redevelopment- 34 stations under Amrit Bharat scheme
- ROBs/Underpasses- 540 completed
- Coach Factory Modernization- Sonipat facility to be inaugurated soon
Dignitaries Present at the Event:
- Shri Nayab Singh Saini – Hon’ble CM of Haryana
- Shri Rao Narbir Singh – Hon’ble Industries Minister, Haryana
- Shri Mukesh Sharma – Hon’ble MLA
- Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi – CEO & MD, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.
Conclusion:
The inauguration of the cargo terminal at Manesar by Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw is a step towads integrated freight and passenger infrastructure. The railway sector of India is reinforcing the country’s position in the urban mobility industries. This development not only improves freight efficiency but also accelerates economic growth driven by infrastructure development.
Source: PIB – Press Release | Images Credit: PIB
Join us to showcase Innovation in Rail & Metro sector of India- Book your Delegate Pass: https://railanalysis.in/info/delegate.html
Timely insights, straight to your WhatsApp—stay updated with ease!
Stay connected to the rail industry—timely news, straight to Telegram
