Gati Shakti Multi-Modal
Cargo Terminals Accelerate India’s Rail-Led Logistics Transformation
The
Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals (GCTs), developed under the Ministry of
Railways’ GCT Policy, 2021, are emerging as a cornerstone of India’s logistics
modernisation under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. Indian Railways
has approved 306 GCTs, of which 118 have been commissioned, with a combined
handling capacity of about 192 million tonnes per annum. The initiative has
mobilised nearly ₹8,600 crore in private investment and significantly
boosted rail freight revenues, which grew over fourfold between 2022–23 and
2024–25.
By
integrating rail with road, ports, and airports, GCTs reduce logistics costs,
improve turnaround time, and promote environmentally sustainable freight
movement. Since 2014, the shift of freight from road to rail has helped move an
additional 2,672 million tonnes of cargo and cut CO₂ emissions by 143.3 million tonnes. Key terminals such as
the Manesar automobile GCT in Haryana, facilities in Assam strengthening
Northeast connectivity, and the New Sanjali GCT on the Western Dedicated
Freight Corridor highlight the policy’s impact. Overall, GCTs are strengthening
India’s logistics ecosystem, supporting Ease of Doing Business, Make in India,
and positioning the country as a competitive global logistics hub.
Key Takeaways
·
Indian Railways has approved 306 GCTs, with
a combined capacity of 192 million tonnes per annum; 118 are already
commissioned.
·
Since 2014, 2,672 million tonnes of freight
shifted from road to rail, saving 143.3 million tonnes of CO₂.
·
Private investment of around ₹8,600 crore
has been mobilised under the GCT Policy.
·
Freight revenues from GCTs grew fourfold
between 2022–23 and 2024–25, reaching ₹12,608 crore.
Introduction
India’s logistics sector has made remarkable
progress in recent years, achieving a significant milestone with logistics
costs now reduced to 7.97% of GDP. This achievement reflects the success
of sustained reforms and integrated planning, positioning the nation closer to
global benchmarks. It demonstrates how coordinated infrastructure development
and digital integration are reshaping the logistics landscape, making it more
efficient, competitive, and future-ready.
At the heart of this transformation is the PM
Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which has brought together railways,
highways, ports, and airports into a unified framework. By enabling seamless
multimodal connectivity, the plan aims to strengthen industry competitiveness,
support initiatives such as Ease of Doing Business and Make in India, and
ensure balanced regional growth. The Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs)
are a key pillar of this vision, driving modern logistics solutions that will
continue to enhance India’s role as a global trade hub.