Railways Launches Largest Auto Cargo Facility as Infrastructure Development Progresses
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated India’s largest Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal for automobiles at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar plant on Tuesday. This new facility is expected to significantly enhance logistics efficiency in the automotive sector. The terminal is strategically linked to Patli railway station through a dedicated 10-kilometer rail line, which is part of the larger 121.7-kilometer Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor being developed by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC).
Investment and Infrastructure Development
The newly inaugurated terminal represents a substantial investment in India’s rail infrastructure, costing approximately Rs 800 crore. Of this amount, Rs 684 crore was funded by HRIDC, while Maruti Suzuki contributed the remaining funds. The terminal boasts an impressive annual loading capacity of 4.5 lakh vehicles, which is expected to streamline the transportation of automobiles across the country. This development is part of a broader initiative to enhance the logistics framework in India, particularly for the automotive industry, which is a vital sector for the nation’s economy.
The Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, which includes the dedicated rail link to the terminal, is designed to improve connectivity and reduce transit times for goods. This project is part of a larger vision to modernize India’s railway infrastructure, making it more efficient and capable of handling increased freight volumes. The focus on multimodal transport solutions is expected to facilitate smoother operations for manufacturers and distributors alike.
Railway Budget and Expansion Plans
During the inauguration, Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the significant increase in the Railways’ annual budget, which has surged from around Rs 24,000–25,000 crore before 2014 to an impressive Rs 2.5 lakh crore today. This financial boost has enabled the addition of over 1,200 general coaches in the past year alone. The minister also announced plans to expand the MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train services, with over 100 trains being lengthened to accommodate more passengers.
Furthermore, the introduction of 50 new Namo Bharat trains is in response to the strong public demand for enhanced rail services. These developments reflect the government’s commitment to improving passenger and freight services across the railway network. The focus on expanding and modernizing the fleet is expected to enhance the overall travel experience for millions of passengers.
Record Performance and Future Initiatives
Vaishnaw also shared impressive statistics regarding Indian Railways’ performance in the fiscal year 2023-24. The railways successfully transported 720 crore passengers and moved 1,617 million tonnes of freight, achieving the second-highest freight volume globally. This performance underscores the critical role of rail transport in India’s logistics and transportation sectors.
In addition to these achievements, the minister announced upcoming changes to the Tatkal ticket booking system, which will require users to be Aadhaar-authenticated and KYC-verified during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. This measure aims to ensure that tickets are accessible to genuine passengers. Other initiatives include a pilot program in the Bikaner Division that prepares reservation charts 24 hours before departure, which has received positive feedback.
Focus on Haryana and Coach Factory Modernization
The minister emphasized the increased allocation for Haryana’s railway projects, which has risen from Rs 300 crore before 2014 to Rs 3,416 crore this year. Since 2014, the state has seen the laying of 823 kilometers of new railway lines, with the entire network now fully electrified. Ongoing projects in Haryana total Rs 11,800 crore, which includes the redevelopment of 34 stations and the construction of 540 road-over-bridges and road-under-bridges.
Additionally, the Railway Coach Factory in Sonipat is undergoing modernization and is expected to be inaugurated soon. This upgrade is part of the broader strategy to enhance manufacturing capabilities and improve the quality of rail coaches produced in India. The government’s focus on infrastructure development and modernization is set to play a crucial role in the future of Indian Railways, ensuring it meets the growing demands of both passengers and freight services.
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