Indian Railways to revise Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal bid guidelines amid rising

In a strategic push to strengthen port logistics in the supply chain and enhance freight infrastructure, Indian Railways is set to revise bidding guidelines under its Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) initiative. The revision comes amid rising demand from private sector players aiming to develop rail-linked terminals that seamlessly connect to shipping ports and freight handling zones across India.

The revised policy framework will enable higher premium-based bidding by private investors for the development and operation of GCTs moving away from the earlier model focused on technical evaluations and minimum guaranteed freight traffic.

“We are looking to make the guidelines more flexible and commercially viable to attract more investment and ensure faster execution,” said a senior railway official.

The policy update aligns with broader national efforts to combat growing challenges such as port congestion in India, which has impacted freight turnaround times and logistics efficiency. By enhancing rail connectivity to ports, the GCT initiative supports a smoother cargo flow, easing India port congestion and reducing the burden on overutilized road infrastructure.

With the freight sector accounting for a significant portion of Indian Railways’ revenue, the ministry aims to unlock greater commercial value through competitive, market-driven bidding models that attract robust private sector participation.

Launched in December 2021, the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal policy is a cornerstone of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which envisions over 100 multi-modal cargo terminals by FY 2024–25. These terminals will act as crucial hubs in a smart port and supply chain network digitally integrated, rail-connected, and designed to reduce logistics costs across the board.