Bhubaneswar: Odisha has received a major boost to its freight and logistics infrastructure, with 12 Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals (GCTs) already commissioned across the state, while 36 more locations have received in-principle approval for development, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
In a written reply to questions by Lok Sabha MPs Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu and Vijay Kumar Dubey, Vaishnaw said the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal initiative has strengthened railway-linked freight movement in Odisha by improving connectivity for industries and enabling faster transportation of goods.
The operational cargo terminals are located at key industrial and commercial centres, including three serving stations in Paradeep in Jagatsinghpur district; Kechobahal-Laikera in Jharsuguda district; Jajpur Kendujhar Road in Jajpur district; Brajrajnagar and Brundamal in Jharsuguda district; Machapur in Kataka district; Barpali Road in Sundaragada district; Sogra in Sambalpur district; Jakhpura in Jajpur district; and Bondamunda Junction in Sundaragada district.
The Railway Ministry said the expansion of cargo terminals aims to create a more efficient logistics network by connecting industries directly with the railway freight system. The terminals are expected to benefit sectors such as minerals, steel, power, manufacturing and other industries that depend heavily on bulk transportation.
The Ministry further informed that in-principle approvals have been granted for 36 additional Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal locations in Odisha. These projects are expected to enhance the state’s freight-handling capacity and strengthen its position as an important logistics hub in eastern India.
In the Kendujhar Lok Sabha constituency, a proposal for setting up a new cargo terminal at Porjanpur (PRNR) is currently under consideration.
The Railway Minister said the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal policy was launched to encourage private investment in cargo infrastructure development and improve freight movement across the country.
The locations for these terminals are selected after assessing factors such as industrial demand, cargo generation potential, availability of railway infrastructure and regional logistics requirements.
Across the country, 142 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals have been commissioned so far, while approvals have been granted for 310 more terminals. The commissioned terminals have an estimated freight-handling capacity of 224 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The policy has attracted private investment of nearly Rs 10,000 crore, with freight movement through these terminals reaching 146 million tonnes during 2025-26.
Railway officials said the initiative will help reduce logistics costs, improve supply chain efficiency and encourage greater participation of private players in railway freight operations.
With its rich mineral resources, industrial base and strategic coastal location, Odisha is expected to play a significant role in the Railways’ efforts to expand freight infrastructure and develop a multimodal logistics network across the country.
