Did Vaishnaw Just Inaugurate India’s Largest Automobile Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal in Manesar?

New Delhi, June 17 (NationPress) Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially opened the largest automobile multi-modal cargo terminal in India at the Maruti Suzuki plant located in Manesar, Haryana. This new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal significantly boosts the logistics efficiency for automobile transportation. The facility is linked to Patli railway station via a dedicated 10 km rail line, part of the ongoing 121.7 km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor being developed by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC).

Constructing this 10 km link required an investment of Rs 800 crore, with HRIDC contributing Rs 684 crore and the remaining financed by Maruti Suzuki. The loading capacity of this Gati Shakti cargo terminal is among the highest in India, accommodating 4.5 lakh automobiles annually.

During his address, the minister emphasized the significant advancements within Indian Railways over the last decade. “Before 2014, the annual budget for Railways was around Rs 24,000–25,000 crore. Now, it has surged to Rs 2.5 lakh crore,” he stated.

“Basic amenities, such as toilets, were previously missing in many stations and coaches. Recently, a focused initiative has led to the addition of over 1,200 general coaches in just the last year,” he remarked.

The minister also announced a significant decision to enhance passenger train services, stating that over 100 MEMU trains will be upgraded—expanding their configurations from 8 to 12 coaches to 16 to 20 coaches—providing great advantages to short-distance commuters. A new facility has been established in Kazipet, Andhra Pradesh to manufacture over 100 MEMU trains.

Regarding the successful introduction of Namo Bharat trains, Vaishnaw stated, “Encouraged by the public's positive response, we plan to produce 50 more Namo Bharat trains to meet the increasing demand.”

On the performance of passenger transport and freight, he mentioned that in the financial year 2023–24, Indian Railways transported about 720 crore passengers and managed 1,617 million tonnes of freight, achieving the second-highest freight volume globally and marking this year as historic.

Regarding passenger convenience, he introduced a pilot initiative where reservation charts for passengers are now created 24 hours in advance, replacing the earlier 4-hour norm. This change has garnered very positive feedback and is expected to greatly enhance the travel experience.

Discussing the launch of Amrit Bharat trains, the minister shared, “Currently, three Amrit Bharat trains are operational and have received an enthusiastic public response. In the near future, six more will be launched, and the production of an additional 50 trains is in progress.”

He also mentioned ongoing infrastructure investments, stating, “Projects worth Rs 11,800 crore are currently in progress in Haryana. Redevelopment of 34 railway stations is underway under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Additionally, 540 road overbridges and underpasses have been constructed across the state’s railway network.”

Vaishnaw noted that the Railway Coach Factory in Sonipat is undergoing modernization. “The upgraded facility will be ready for inauguration soon and will significantly enhance our coach production capabilities,” he expressed.

Present at the event were Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the state’s Minister of Industries Rao Narbir Singh, and Maruti Suzuki CEO & Managing Director Hisashi Takeuchi.