India’s Largest Auto Cargo Terminal Opens in Manesar

Boosting Logistics for the Automobile Sector

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw opened India’s largest Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal for automobiles at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar plant. This is a big step forward for the automobile sector’s logistics.

What Makes the New Terminal Special

The new terminal connects directly to Patli railway station through a 10-km dedicated rail link. It is part of the 121.7-km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, developed by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC).

Highlights from Ashwini Vaishnaw’s Speech

New Rail Link and Investment Details

• The Manesar terminal is linked to Patli station by a 10-km rail line.
• This line is part of the 121.7-km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor.
• The link cost Rs 800 crore, with Rs 684 crore from HRIDC and the rest from Maruti Suzuki.
• It can handle 4.5 lakh vehicles annually.

Increase in Rail Budget

Before 2014, the Railways’ annual budget was about Rs 24,000–25,000 crore. Now, it has grown to Rs 2.5 lakh crore. Over 1,200 general coaches were added in the past year.

Expansion of MEMU and Namo Bharat

• More than 100 MEMU trains will be extended from 8–12 to 16–20 coaches.
• A new MEMU factory has been established at Kazipet, Andhra Pradesh.
• Plans are in place to build 50 new Namo Bharat trains due to high public demand.

Record-Breaking Performance in FY 2024

Indian Railways transported 720 crore passengers and 1,617 million tonnes of freight in 2023-24. This is the world’s second-highest freight volume.

Changes to Tatkal Booking from 1 July 2025

Only Aadhaar-authenticated, KYC-verified users can book Tatkal tickets in the first 30 minutes. This change ensures tickets go to genuine passengers.

24-Hour Chart Pilot

In Bikaner Division, reservation charts are now prepared 24 hours before departure. This pilot has received very positive feedback.

Launch of Amrit Bharat Trains

• Three Amrit Bharat trains are currently running.
• Six more will be launched soon.
• Production is underway for 50 additional trains.

Focus on Haryana’s Development

• State allocation increased from Rs 300 crore (pre-2014) to Rs 3,416 crore this year.
• Since 2014, 823 km of new lines have been laid.
• The network is now 100% electrified.
• Ongoing projects total Rs 11,800 crore, including redevelopment of 34 stations and construction of 540 ROBs/RUBs.

Upgrade of Coach Factory

The Railway Coach Factory in Sonipat is being modernized. It will soon be ready for inauguration.