Modern rail-linked logistics hubs with warehousing and cold storage infrastructure strengthen freight movement for agriculture, manufacturing and key industries

Key Highlights

• 142 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) commissioned across India.
• 310 additional terminals receive in-principle approval.
• Existing GCTs offer 224 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) freight handling capacity.
• Around ₹10,000 crore in private investment mobilised through the initiative.
• 146 million tonnes of freight handled by GCTs during FY 2025-26.
• Terminals support movement of cement, steel, foodgrains, fertilisers, coal, automobiles, containers, agricultural produce and minerals.
• Warehousing, silos and cold storage facilities enhance supply chain efficiency for farmers and businesses.

Railways Expands Multimodal Freight Infrastructure

Indian Railways has significantly expanded its freight infrastructure under the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) Policy, with 142 cargo terminals now operational across the country and approvals granted for 310 more locations.

The initiative, launched to encourage private sector participation in rail logistics, has already attracted approximately ₹10,000 crore in private investment while creating freight handling capacity of 224 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

According to the Ministry of Railways, the commissioned terminals collectively handled 146 million tonnes of freight during FY 2025-26, highlighting their growing role in India’s logistics network.

Supporting Industries and Agricultural Supply Chains

The GCT network caters to a wide range of commodities, including:

• Cement
• Steel
• Foodgrains
• Fertilisers
• Coal
• Fly ash
• Minerals
• Containers
• Automobiles
• Agricultural produce
• Other bulk and non-bulk cargo

The terminals are designed to improve first-mile and last-mile connectivity, reduce logistics costs, accelerate loading and unloading operations, improve wagon turnaround time and encourage a shift from road transport to rail freight.

The policy benefits major sectors including cement, steel, mining, power, agriculture, logistics and manufacturing.

Warehousing and Cold Storage Boost Rural Logistics

Beyond freight movement, the GCT policy is enabling the development of modern logistics infrastructure such as:

• Warehouses
• Silos
• Cold storage facilities
• Value-added logistics parks

These facilities improve storage and distribution efficiency for agricultural commodities while strengthening supply chains for industries located near production and consumption centres.

The ministry noted that the integrated logistics ecosystem is helping farmers, local businesses and industries access more reliable and cost-effective transportation networks.

State-wise Progress

Among the major states:

• Odisha: 12 operational GCTs with approvals for 36 more.
• Rajasthan: 10 operational terminals and 15 additional approved.
• Andhra Pradesh: 5 operational terminals and 14 approved.
• Bihar: 5 operational terminals and 8 approved.
• Madhya Pradesh: 5 operational terminals with approvals for 19 more.
• Karnataka: 4 operational terminals and 18 approved.

In Andhra Pradesh’s Palnadu district, the operational terminal at Tummalacheruvu handled 1.214 million tonnes of freight during FY 2025-26, while another cargo terminal is currently under construction to support the movement of cement, clinker, minerals and industrial goods.

Driving Regional Economic Development

The Ministry said the GCT policy has improved rail connectivity closer to industrial clusters and production centres, creating new opportunities for regional economic growth through enhanced logistics infrastructure and private investment.

By strengthening multimodal freight movement and expanding rail-linked logistics facilities, the initiative aims to improve the competitiveness of Indian industries while supporting efficient transportation of agricultural produce and industrial cargo across the country.

Impact on Hospitality, Food & Tourism

The expansion of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals is expected to strengthen supply chains for the hospitality and food service sectors by improving the movement of foodgrains, fresh produce, beverages and other essential commodities. The addition of warehousing and cold storage infrastructure can help reduce spoilage, improve inventory management and support hotel, restaurant and catering businesses with more efficient procurement. Lower logistics costs and improved freight connectivity also contribute to a more resilient tourism and hospitality ecosystem, particularly in emerging destinations and regional markets.