India’s Largest Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal
The Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar facility was inaugurated by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. This terminal is India’s largest automobile cargo terminal. It enhances logistics for automobile transportation. The terminal connects to Patli railway station via a dedicated 10 km rail link. This link is part of the larger 121.7 km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor. The project involved substantial investment, with ₹800 crore allocated for its construction.
Investment and Infrastructure Development
The Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation funded ₹684 crore. Maruti Suzuki contributed the remaining amount. The terminal can handle 4.5 lakh automobiles per year. This capacity is among the highest in the country. The development is part of a broader initiative to improve railway infrastructure in India.
Indian Railways Transformation
The Indian Railways has seen changes since 2014. The annual budget increased from ₹24,000 crore to ₹2.5 lakh crore. Basic amenities at stations improved considerably. Over 1,200 General Coaches were added in the past year alone. The focus on enhancing passenger services has been a priority.
Passenger Train Services Upgrades
A major decision was made to augment MEMU trains. The number of coaches will increase from 8-12 to 16-20. This change benefits short-distance commuters. A new factory in Kazipet, Andhra Pradesh, will manufacture over 100 MEMU trains. The introduction of Namo Bharat trains also reflects growing passenger demand.
Freight and Passenger Performance
In the financial year 2023-24, Indian Railways transported around 720 crore passengers. It also moved 1,617 million tonnes of freight. This performance marked the second-highest freight volume globally. Such achievements highlight the efficiency of Indian Railways.
Reforms in Ticket Booking
A new reform for Tatkal ticket booking will start on 1st July 2025. Only Aadhaar-authenticated users can book tickets in the first 30 minutes. This aims to ensure tickets reach genuine passengers. A pilot project in Bikaner is preparing reservation charts 24 hours in advance, improving the travel experience.
Amrit Bharat Trains Initiative
Currently, three Amrit Bharat trains are operational. They have received positive public feedback. Six more trains will launch soon, with production for 50 additional trains underway. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity and passenger services.
Haryana’s Railway Development
Haryana’s railway budget increased from ₹300 crore to ₹3,416 crore. Over the past 11 years, 823 km of new rail lines were laid. The state’s railway network is now fully electrified. Ongoing projects worth ₹11,800 crore are underway, including the redevelopment of 34 railway stations.
Modernisation of Railway Facilities
The Railway Coach Factory in Sonipat is undergoing modernisation. This upgrade will enhance coach production capacity. The facility is expected to play important role in meeting growing demands.
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