Guwahati, Nov 27 (NationPress) The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is making significant strides in establishing Gati Shakti cargo infrastructure, with six new terminals currently being constructed in Assam, as announced by officials on Thursday.

NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma stated that the first of these terminals, located at Baihata and being developed by BR Transcon Ltd at an estimated cost of Rs 245 crores, is approaching completion.

This initiative is set to greatly improve the region’s freight logistics ecosystem while also aiding in the reduction of logistics costs for industries throughout the Northeast, he mentioned.

The physical construction is largely finished, and necessary clearances are underway to ensure safety, with the terminal expected to commence operations shortly. Sharma emphasized that the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal policy, introduced in 2022, aims to foster the development of advanced logistic terminals through collaboration with major industry players.

In Assam, there were previously two Gati Shakti terminals located at Moinarband near Silchar and Cinnamara near Jorhat. On February 25, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw disclosed plans for the construction of six new Gati Shakti cargo terminals in Assam, with the Baihata terminal in Kamrup Rural district being the first expected to be completed.

The CPRO remarked that once operational, the Baihata Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal is projected to manage over 25 freight rakes each month. It features several essential components, such as three new goods lines, an electronic in-motion weighbridge, a robust goods circulating area with two goods platforms, and high-mast lighting to support round-the-clock operations.

Furthermore, a dedicated ramp for efficient automobile handling will enhance the terminal’s capacity to accommodate a variety of cargo.

The six Gati Shakti cargo terminals under construction in Assam include the Gati Shakti Terminal at Habaipur in Lanka under Lumding Division, the Gati Shakti Terminal at Jogighopa, the Gati Shakti Terminal at Baihata, the Multi-Modal Logistics Terminal at Kendukona, the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) Terminal at Basugaon, and the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Chayagaon, all situated under Rangiya Division.

Collectively, these upcoming terminals will significantly bolster the logistics framework of Assam, as pointed out by the official.

The Northeast Frontier Railway remains dedicated to expanding and modernizing freight infrastructure across its network. These new facilities are part of a larger initiative to elevate multimodal connectivity, enhance freight efficiency, and strengthen logistics networks under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, improving connectivity and addressing the increasing logistics demands of the region, the CPRO added.