In a landmark boost to India’s logistics and multimodal transport infrastructure, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & IT, Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the country’s largest automobile-focused Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Maruti Suzuki India Limited’s Manesar facility.
This cutting-edge cargo terminal is a strategic development under the Government of India’s PM Gati Shakti – National Master Plan, aimed at revolutionizing India’s logistics network by promoting faster, more efficient, and seamless freight movement.
Why This Terminal Matters
The Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal is not just another logistics node — it’s a pivotal link that redefines how automobiles move across the country. Key facts:
- Strategic Location: Located at Maruti Suzuki’s manufacturing hub in Manesar, Haryana, the terminal connects to the Patli railway station via a dedicated 10-km rail corridor.
- Part of a Bigger Vision: This link is a segment of the larger 121.7 km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, developed by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC) to ease cargo movement around Delhi NCR.
- Massive Investment: The terminal was developed with a total investment of ₹800 crore (₹684 crore from HRIDC and the rest by Maruti Suzuki).
- Record-Breaking Capacity: Capable of handling 4.5 lakh vehicles annually, it stands among India’s highest-capacity auto logistics terminals.
Railway Performance Soars
At the inauguration, Mr. Vaishnaw also shared performance highlights of Indian Railways:
“In FY 2023–24, Indian Railways moved 720 crore passengers and 1,617 million tonnes of freight, making us the second-largest rail freight mover in the world,” the minister noted.
This historic freight performance reflects the growing emphasis on rail-based logistics — not only for reducing carbon emissions and road congestion but also for cutting end-to-end delivery times.
Key Takeaways
- India’s largest auto-focused cargo terminal is now operational at Maruti Suzuki, Manesar.
- Direct 10-km rail link to Patli station supports seamless integration into national rail logistics.
- Built under the PM Gati Shakti initiative to strengthen multimodal connectivity.
- Infrastructure ready to dispatch 4.5 lakh vehicles per year by rail, cutting road dependency.
- Supports Indian Railways’ mission to become globally competitive in freight handling.