Rail Ahead: India's Ambitious Plan for 200 Gati Shakti Cargo Hubs

The Indian government is set to develop 200 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) through public-private partnerships along new Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) to promote a shift from road to rail freight, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

As of now, 77 GCTs are operational, with each terminal costing around ₹70 crore on average. The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) currently operates four terminals and plans to commission six more by FY26. Of the 115 DFC stations, around 50–55 are considered viable for GCT development, according to DFCCIL Managing Director Praveen Kumar. The western DFC is expected to be fully commissioned by December 2025, and private sector interest in upcoming tenders is strong. The entire DFC network is being constructed at a cost of ₹1.24 lakh crore.

While high-speed freight corridors have long gestation periods, Kumar noted that their efficiency benefits could boost Indian Railways’ revenues and support passenger service subsidies. Presently, road accounts for 46% of logistics share, while rail covers only 26%. The PM Gati Shakti initiative aims to reverse this trend by building integrated, sustainable freight infrastructure.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.