Gurugram, June 17 — In a landmark development for India’s logistics and industrial infrastructure, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw jointly inaugurated the country’s largest Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at the Maruti Suzuki plant in IMT Manesar, Gurugram. The terminal has been developed under the ambitious PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which envisions building a world-class logistics network across the nation.
Built at a cost of ₹11,709 crore, the project is a collaborative effort with Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (HRIDC) holding a 55.4% stake, HSIIDC with 19%, and the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority contributing 5%.
Connecting 380 Cities and Major Ports
Welcoming the Union Minister at the ceremony, CM Nayab Singh Saini said that the terminal marks a golden chapter in Haryana’s development story. He stated that the facility would not only enable vehicles manufactured in Manesar and Gurugram to reach 17 logistics hubs and over 380 cities across India but also link them to major ports like Pipavav and Mundra for exports—connecting Haryana directly to the global supply chain.
Haryana: A Leading Automobile Manufacturing Hub
Highlighting Haryana’s rise as a key player in India’s auto industry, the Chief Minister shared that the state now produces nearly 50% of the cars manufactured in India. The development of an internal railway yard at the Maruti plant by HRIDC reflects the state’s commitment to improving infrastructure and promoting ease of doing business. The state has also partnered with industrial bodies and academic institutions to enhance skill development and support its vision of becoming a logistics hub.
A Live Example of PM Gati Shakti’s Vision
Calling the terminal a revolutionary example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary PM Gati Shakti initiative, the Chief Minister noted that the platform integrates various infrastructure sectors—rail, road, ports, airports, inland waterways, and logistics—into one cohesive framework. The Maruti railway siding within the plant enables vehicles to be loaded directly onto cargo trains and transported nationwide, showcasing the seamless synergy envisioned under the plan.
Railways Witnessing Unprecedented Growth: Railways Minister
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the transformative changes in India’s rail infrastructure under PM Modi’s leadership. He revealed that the Indian Railways’ annual budget has surged from ₹25,000 crore to ₹2.5 lakh crore in 11 years. Over 1,200 new general coaches have been added in the last two and a half years alone. Soon, 100 new Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains and 50 ‘Namo Bharat’ passenger trains will be introduced. The new MEMU trains will feature 16 to 20 coaches, an upgrade from the older 8 to 12-coach configurations.
Rail Electrification and Expansion in Haryana
The Minister also announced that the rail factory in Sonipat would soon undergo modernization. He praised CM Saini for accelerating railway development in the state, pointing out that from receiving just ₹315 crore before 2014, Haryana has been allocated ₹3,416 crore since. The state has achieved 100% rail electrification and constructed 823 km of new track—surpassing even the UAE’s railway infrastructure. Furthermore, work is underway to develop 34 Amrit Bharat stations and build 540 railway overbridges and underpasses in the state.
First Cargo Train Flagged Off
At the ceremony, both the Railways Minister and the Chief Minister flagged off the first cargo train from the newly inaugurated terminal. Maruti Suzuki India Limited CEO Hisashi Takeuchi welcomed the dignitaries to the event.
Also present on the occasion were Haryana Industry and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary Vijender Kumar (PWD), Northern Railway GM Ashok Kumar Verma, HRIDC MD Narendra D. Chambur, and senior Maruti executives Sunil Kakkar, Rahul Bharti, and S.D. Chhabra. From the district administration, Gurugram Commissioner R.C. Bidhan, DC Ajay Kumar, CP Vikas Arora, and SDM Darshan Yadav were also in attendance.
