| MALIGAON, Nov 27: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is advancing rapidly in the development of Gati Shakti cargo infrastructure, where six new Gati Shakti cargo terminals are currently under construction in Assam. The first of these, located at Baihata, being constructed by BR Transcon Ltd at an approximate cost of Rs 245 crores is nearing completion and is poised to significantly enhance the region's freight logistics ecosystem while helping reduce logistics costs for industries across the Northeast. Physical construction work has been completed and necessary clearances are in progress for ensuring safety. The terminal is expected to be operational very soon. The Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal policy was introduced in 2022 to promote the development of state-of-the-art logistic terminals built with the participation of major industry partners. In Assam, earlier there were such two Gati Shakti terminals at Moinarband near Silchar and Cinnamara near Jorhat. On 25 February 2025, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon'ble Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology announced the development of six new Gati Shakti cargo terminals in Assam. Among the newly announced terminals, the Baihata Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal in Kamrup Rural district is set to be the first to be completed. Once commissioned, the Baihata Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal is expected to handle more than 25 freight rakes every month. It incorporates several key features including three new goods lines, an electronic in-motion weighbridge, durable goods circulating area with two goods platforms and high-mast lighting to facilitate round-the-clock operations. Additionally, a special ramp for efficient handling of automobiles will further enhance the terminal's capability to manage diverse cargo. The six Gati Shakti cargo terminals currently under construction in Assam are the Gati Shakti Terminal at Habaipur in Lanka under Lumding Division, the Gati Shakti Terminal at Jogighopa, the Gati Shakti Terminal at Baihata, the Multi-Modal Logistics Terminal at Kendukona, the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) Terminal at Basugaon and the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Chayagaon, all under Rangiya Division. Together, these upcoming terminals will significantly strengthen Assam's logistics network. |
