In a significant development for India’s freight infrastructure, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) has inaugurated the New Gothangam Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal (GCT) in Gujarat. The terminal is located on the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) and has been developed by Emirates Logistics India Pvt Ltd.
Introduction:
Shri Praveen Kumar, MD/DFCCIL, inaugurated the New Gothangam Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal in Gujarat, developed by Emirates Logistics India Pvt Ltd, on the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. This terminal is the fourth GCT on the DFC network and the second in FY 2024-25, underlining India’s growing multimodal logistics vision.
Key Features of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals:
- Streamlined Application Process: Quick, hassle-free approvals with a simplified application system.
- Zero Departmental Charges: No additional fees imposed on applicants, making it more attractive for industry stakeholders.
- Land and Staff Cost Waivers: Exemptions on land licence fees and commercial staff costs for rail connectivity.
- Freight Rebates: A 10% freight rebate for terminals generating over 1 million tonnes (MT) of outward traffic.
- Railway Support in Maintenance: The Railway will cover maintenance costs of tracks, signalling, and electrification, apart from the yard and loading/unloading lines.
- Multi-terminal Connectivity Rights: Railways maintain rights to extend connectivity to additional terminals on maintained track sections, maximising network flexibility.
Background:
To attract private investment for the development of cargo terminals, the Indian government launched the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) policy on December 15, 2021. GCT locations are selected based on industry demand and cargo traffic potential, ensuring terminals are strategically placed for maximum impact.
Recent Updates:
- Shri Devendra Kumar, CGM/PRYJ(W), along with unit officials, inspected the EDFC section, reviewing station operations, signaling systems, staff quarters, drainage, trespassing risks, vegetation clearance, and the construction progress of the New Kanpur running room.
- Shri SP Verma, GGM/BD&BA, inspected the upcoming GCT Sawaria Shakti Terminal location under Schedule-1 near Panoli in the presence of Shri Vikas Kumar, CGM/Mumbai (N), Shri Praveen Tiwari/AGM/OPBD/WDFC, Shri JK Agrawal/AGM/OPBD/WDFC and other officials to accelerate completion for early commissioning.
- Shri Shobhit Bhatnagar, Director/OP&BD, conducted a joint inspection of the New Kharbao connectivity with CFTM/Central Railway, assessing operational readiness and efficiency. Additionally, an inspection of the JNPT yard was carried out along with Central Railway officers to enhance freight movement and streamline logistics.
Conclusion:
The New Gothangam GCT inauguration underlines DFCCIL’s proactive approach in expanding logistics hubs aligned with the Gati Shakti vision. With more terminals in the pipeline, DFCCIL continues to strengthen India’s cargo movement efficiency, supporting faster, safer, and more cost-effective freight transportation across the country’s dedicated freight corridors.
Source: DFCCIL | Images Credit: DFCCIL
