India's Largest Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal Inaugurated in Manesar

The union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini jointly inaugurated India's largest Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal in Manesar, Haryana. Developed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the terminal aims to boost multimodal connectivity and streamline freight movement across the country. The mega facility was constructed at a cost of Rs.117,091 million, with a joint initiative of the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (HRIDC), Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC), and the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA).

Key Takeaways:

• The terminal is a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aiming to boost multimodal connectivity and streamline freight movement across the country.
• The facility was constructed at a cost of Rs.117,091 million, with a joint initiative of HRIDC, HSIIDC, and GMDA, holding stakes of 55.4%, 19%, and 5% respectively.
• Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the launch of 100 new Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains and 50 Namo Bharat passenger trains.
• Work is underway to upgrade 34 Amrit Bharat stations across Haryana, and the construction of 540 railway overbridges and underpasses has been completed in the state.
• The center has confirmed full electrification of Haryana's rail lines and plans to modernize the railway factory in Sonipat.
• Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini described the terminal as a "milestone in Haryana's development journey" and a critical step toward realising the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India.
• The terminal will connect vehicle consignments from Maruti's Manesar and Gurugram plants to 17 hubs across 380 Indian cities, as well as export destinations via ports like Pipavav and Mundra.
• Haryana has emerged as the country's leading automobile manufacturing hub, producing nearly 50% of India's cars, and the internal railway siding built by HRIDC at Maruti is a testimony to the state's "ease of doing business" commitment.

Statistics:

• The annual railway budget has risen from Rs.25,000 crore to Rs.2.5 lakh crore in 11 years.
• Haryana's allocation alone jumped from Rs.315 crore before 2014 to over Rs.3,400 crore.
• The construction cost of the terminal is Rs.117,091 million.
• 100 new Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains and 50 Namo Bharat passenger trains will be launched.
• Work is underway to upgrade 34 Amrit Bharat stations across Haryana.
• 540 railway overbridges and underpasses have been constructed in the state.
• 823 km of new tracks have been laid in Haryana, surpassing the rail network of the United Arab Emirates.

Sources:

• Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from HT Gurgaon