Unlocking Prosperity: Railway Minister Launches India’s Largest Auto Cargo Terminal at Maruti Manesar

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently opened India’s largest Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Maruti Suzuki’s plant in Manesar, Haryana. This terminal is a big step in improving how automobiles are transported across the country.

The terminal connects to the Patli railway station via a dedicated 10 km rail link. This link is part of the larger 121.7 km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor that the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation is building. The project cost ₹800 crore, with ₹684 crore funded by HRIDC and the rest by Maruti Suzuki. It has a massive loading capacity, handling up to 4.5 lakh cars each year, making it one of the busiest terminals in India.

During the opening, Vaishnaw discussed the growth of Indian Railways over the last decade. He pointed out that the annual budget increased dramatically from around ₹25,000 crore in 2014 to ₹2.5 lakh crore today. Key improvements have been made, like adding over 1,200 general coaches in the past year alone. A new factory in Kazipet, Andhra Pradesh, will also produce 100 new MEMU trains to enhance regional transport.

Passenger and freight performance has been remarkable. In the financial year 2023-24, Indian Railways moved around 720 crore passengers and 1,617 million tonnes of goods. This achievement makes India the second-highest in the world for freight volume in that year.

Vaishnaw announced a new rule that will affect how Tatkal tickets are booked starting July 1, 2025. Only users who verify their identity through Aadhaar will be able to book tickets in the first half-hour, ensuring genuine passengers have better access.

A pilot project in Bikaner is already changing the game by preparing reservation charts 24 hours ahead of trains, rather than just four hours before. This initiative has received strong support from the community, promising to improve travel experiences greatly.

Regarding the Amrit Bharat Train initiative, three trains are currently in operation with plans for six more to be launched soon. Additionally, production for another 50 trains is underway. Vaishnaw emphasized this reflects the growing demand from the public.

In Haryana, Vaishnaw mentioned that the annual railway budget allocation surged from ₹300 crore in 2014 to a record ₹3,416 crore this year. In the past 11 years, 823 kilometers of new rail lines have been built, with the entire state’s network now electrified. Ongoing projects worth ₹11,800 crore are in progress, including the redevelopment of 34 railway stations.

The Railway Coach Factory in Sonipat is also being modernized to bolster coach production. The expected upgrades aim to enhance efficiency and capability for future needs.

The event drew notable attendees, including Haryana’s Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Maruti Suzuki’s CEO Hisashi Takeuchi. Their presence underscores the significance of these advancements in shaping India’s railway and automotive future.

For additional insights, you can also check sources like the [Ministry of Railways](https://www.indianrailways.gov.in) for the latest updates on projects and policies.

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