Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Indian Railways Expands Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals
The Indian Railways has set up 142 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) across the country, with plans to add 310 more.
These terminals help move goods like cement, steel, and food by train, making it cheaper and faster.
They have brought in private investment and are helping businesses and farmers.
States like Odisha and Rajasthan have the most terminals.
The terminals also support jobs and other infrastructure like warehouses.
Some people think the benefits are still uncertain, but overall, they are seen as a big step forward for logistics in India.
Indian Railways has commissioned 142 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) and approved 310 more.
GCTs have a combined freight handling capacity of 224 million tonnes per annum and have attracted Rs 10,000 crore in private investment.
These terminals handle a variety of commodities, including cement, steel, foodgrains, and agricultural produce.
GCTs have benefited sectors like cement, steel, power, mining, agriculture, logistics, and manufacturing by improving rail connectivity and reducing logistics costs.
States like Odisha, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka have seen significant development of GCTs.
- Who
- Indian Railways and the Ministry of Railways
- What
- Commissioning and approval of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals
- When
- Ongoing, with recent updates in 2025-26
- Where
- Across various states in India, including Odisha, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka
- Why
- To improve rail connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and shift freight traffic from road to rail
Pro-GCT Stance
Skeptical Stance
Economic Impact
Pro-GCT Stance
GCTs have significantly boosted economic activity by improving logistics and reducing costs.
Skeptical Stance
The long-term economic benefits are still uncertain and require more time to assess.
Infrastructure Development
Pro-GCT Stance
GCTs have led to the development of allied infrastructure like warehousing and cold storage.
Skeptical Stance
The development of allied infrastructure is uneven and not fully realized in all regions.
- Total Commissioned Terminals
- 142
- Approved Terminals
- 310
- Freight Handling Capacity
- 224 million tonnes per annum
- Private Investment
- Rs 10,000 crore
- Freight Handled in 2025-26
- 146 million tonnes
- Key Commodities Handled
- Cement, steel, foodgrains, fertilisers, coal, fly ash, minerals, containers, automobiles, agricultural produce
- Benefited Sectors
- Cement, steel, power, mining, agriculture, logistics, manufacturing