Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals are steadily transforming India’s logistics landscape

Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals (GCTs) are the modern cargo terminals being developed and set up under the GCT Policy, 2021 of the Ministry of Railways that integrate rail with other modes of transport.

Since their launch, GCTs have moved from vision to visible outcomes, steadily translating into approvals, commissioning of new facilities, and measurable gains in freight handling capacity.

GCTs are being developed with ‘engine on load’ (EOL) operations to minimise detentions and ensure optimal use of railway infrastructure. They are equipped with modern cargo handling facilities such as mechanised loading systems and silos, which significantly reduce handling time. The overall objective is to enhance the Indian Railway’s share in total freight movement by providing faster, more efficient, and reliable freight services. This is essential as rail transport is more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and produces far lower carbon emissions compared to road transport, helping India reduce logistics costs and meet its sustainability goals.

Approvals and Commissioning: Indian Railways has approved proposals for 306 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs), of which 118 have already been commissioned, reflecting steady advancement in implementation.

Commissioned Terminals and Capacity – The 118 commissioned terminals have an estimated combined traffic handling capacity of 192 million tonnes per annum, contributing to lower logistics costs and a significant increase in rail cargo movement.

Private Investment: Since the inception of the GCT Policy, approximately `8,600 crore of private investment has been mobilised, underscoring strong industry participation and the success of the public–private partnership model.

A Master Circular on GCTs (2022) issued by the Railway Board provides detailed guidelines for implementation, covering agreements, operational standards, and amendments to improve the efficiency of these terminals.

Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly: Railways are a cleaner and more efficient mode of transport, with costs less than half of road transport and carbon emissions about 90% lower. Shifting freight from road to rail reduces congestion and supports India’s decarbonisation goals. Since 2014, this shift has moved an additional 2,672 million tonnes of freight to rail, saving 143.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

In line with the provisions of the GCT Policy, agencies granted approval are required to complete construction within 24 months, ensuring the timely delivery and operational readiness of new terminals.

Freight Revenue: The Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals have demonstrated strong performance, with freight revenues rising over fourfold between 2022-23 and 2024-25, underscoring their growing role in India’s logistics sector.

Way forward

Looking ahead, the GCT policy envisions a world class logistics network that is digitally integrated, industry-responsive and globally competitive. Key priorities include:

* Expansion of private participation to accelerate terminal development.

* Continued identification of new GCT locations based on industry demand and regional growth patterns.

* Strengthening digital integration through the Gati Shakti platform, enabling real-time tracking and predictive analytics.

* Long-term vision of positioning India as a global logistics hub, building on the achievement of single-digit logistics costs as a share of GDP, and advancing sustainability through greener transport solutions.

Conclusion

The Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals represent a decisive step toward modernising India’s logistics sector. By combining infrastructure development with digital integration and private participation, they address long-standing inefficiencies while aligning with national economic goals. As implementation progresses, GCTs are poised to transform India’s logistics landscape, making it more efficient, competitive, and future-ready, highlighted an official release.

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