Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals Handle 146 MT Freight in 2025-26, Boost Rail Logistics

India's Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal (GCT) network handled 146 million tonnes (MT) of freight during 2025-26, reflecting the growing role of railways in strengthening the country's logistics infrastructure and shifting cargo movement from road to rail.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that 142 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals have been commissioned across the country under a policy aimed at encouraging private investment in modern freight-handling facilities. These operational terminals have an estimated combined freight-handling capacity of 224 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

The government has also granted In-Principle Approvals (IPAs) for 310 additional locations, indicating plans for a significant expansion of the cargo terminal network. According to the minister, the GCT policy has helped mobilise approximately ₹10,000 crore in private investment. The terminals are designed to handle a diverse range of commodities, including cement, steel, foodgrains, fertilisers, coal, fly ash, minerals, containers, automobiles and agricultural produce. The expansion of such facilities is aimed at creating more efficient links between production centres, warehouses, distribution networks and railway routes.

The Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal policy was introduced to facilitate the development of freight terminals through private participation, while improving rail connectivity and cargo-handling infrastructure. The terminals are expected to support industries such as cement, steel, power, mining, agriculture, manufacturing and logistics.

The railway ministry said the development of GCTs has helped improve the efficiency of freight transportation by enabling faster loading and unloading operations, reducing first-mile and last-mile logistics costs and improving wagon turnaround time. Better terminal infrastructure also supports a shift of freight traffic from roads to rail, which can strengthen the competitiveness of rail-based logistics.

With 310 more locations receiving in-principle approvals, the expansion of the GCT network is expected to further increase India's rail freight capacity and improve connectivity between businesses and markets. The initiative forms part of the broader effort to build a more integrated and cost-efficient logistics ecosystem, with railways playing a larger role in the movement of bulk and non-bulk cargo across the country.