Gati Shakti 2.0: The ₹30,000 Crore Rail Revolution

Indian Railways plans to generate an additional ₹30,000 crore in revenue over the next three years through its revamped Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs), Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

Addressing reporters, Vaishnaw noted that the updated GCT policy is expected to boost freight loading across key sectors such as automobiles, cement, containers, and salt. He added that the current network of 124 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals is projected to expand to more than 500 over the next five years, with several underutilised goods sheds set to be upgraded into modern cargo handling facilities.

According to an official statement, legacy rail sidings developed under earlier frameworks will be allowed to transition to the simplified GCT regime. To strengthen safety measures, the Railways will also offer optional maintenance services—on a payment basis—for privately owned track stretches linking terminals to main lines, a move aimed at reducing accidents.

The minister further highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance passenger services, stating that hygiene standards in general class coaches will be improved to match those in reserved categories.

Vaishnaw said the new cargo policy forms part of the Railways’ broader agenda to implement “52 reforms in 52 weeks” in 2026. Among other initiatives, the reform programme includes ensuring comprehensive end-to-end cleaning of trains, particularly on long-distance routes, to elevate the overall passenger experience.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.