The Indian government is set to develop 200 new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) along dedicated rail freight corridors over the coming years through public–private partnerships. Currently, the network supports 77 GCTs, each costing around ₹70 crore to construct. Operated by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL), four terminals are active, with six more scheduled to be commissioned in fiscal 2025–26.
With 115 stations along the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), approximately 50–55 are deemed suitable for GCT development. The western corridor is expected to be fully operational by December 2025, paving the way for several new terminals. DFCCIL’s MD, Praveen Kumar, emphasised that these terminals will significantly improve freight efficiency, boost revenues, and ease the cost burden on passenger services.
Currently, rail accounts for 26% of the logistics market, compared to road’s 46% share. The goal is to rebalance this ratio by leveraging the cost-effective and sustainable rail mode under the umbrella of PM Gati Shakti—the national initiative launched in October 2021.
As both Eastern and Western DFCs are designed to handle 480 freight trains daily, capacity is projected to exceed these targets once key sections like Vaitarna–JNPT are commissioned.
