Indian Economy News

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw, inaugurates India’s largest automobile, Gati Shakti Multi-Modal cargo terminal at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., Manesar

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw, inaugurated India’s largest automobile Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Maruti Suzuki India Limited’s facility in Manesar, Haryana. This terminal marks a significant milestone in logistics infrastructure, boosting efficiency in automobile transport. It is linked to Patli railway station via a 10 km dedicated rail line, part of the 121.7 km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor developed by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC). The project involved an investment of Rs. 800 crore (US$ 92.7 million), with Rs. 684 crore (US$ 79.2 million) funded by HRIDC and the rest by Maruti Suzuki. The terminal has an annual loading capacity of 4.5 lakh vehicles, one of the highest in India.
He highlighted Indian Railways' transformation over the last decade, noting that the annual budget has grown from Rs. 24,000–25,000 crore (US$ 2.7-2.9 billion) pre-2014 to Rs. 2,50,000 crore (US$ 28.96 billion). He announced an expansion of MEMU trains from 8 to 20 coaches and the establishment of a MEMU train factory in Kazipet, Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, 50 more Namo Bharat trains will be manufactured due to high demand. In FY24, Indian Railways carried 720 crore passengers and transported 1,617 million tonnes of freight, achieving the second-highest freight volume globally. From July 1, 2025, Aadhaar-authenticated and KYC-verified users will get priority access to Tatkal ticket bookings. He also cited improved services such as early reservation charting in the Bikaner Division and the growing adoption of Amrit Bharat trains. In Haryana, annual railway budget allocation surged from Rs. 300 crore (US$ 34.7 million) in 2014 to Rs. 3,416 crore (US$ 395.6 million) in FY25, with 823 km of new rail lines and 100% electrification achieved. Ongoing projects in the state total Rs. 11,800 crore (US$ 1.37 billion), including station redevelopment, road overbridges, and the upcoming modernised coach factory in Sonipat. 

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.

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