The new Baihata terminal will boost logistics capacity for northeastern industries, easing cargo movement and transit bottlenecks.
The first of the six new Gati Shakti cargo terminals being built by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) will soon be operating at Baihata in the Kamrup district of Assam. The terminal, which cost 245 crore to build, is currently getting required safety approvals before launching for freight operations, according to officials. Construction is almost finished.
The Baihata terminal is anticipated to greatly increase logistics capacity for Northeastern businesses once it is put into service, enhancing cargo movement and easing transit bottlenecks.
In order to promote industrial involvement in the development of contemporary goods handling infrastructure throughout the railway network, the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal (GCT) policy was introduced in 2022. There were just two GCTs in the area until recently: Cinnamara near Jorhat and Moinarband near Silchar. However, an expansion plan to build six more terminals in Assam was unveiled in February by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The Gati Shakti Multimodal Cargo Terminal at Chaygaon in the Rangiya Division, Jogighopa, Baihata, Kendukona’s Multi-Modal Logistics Terminal, HPCL’s terminal at Basugaon, and facilities at Habaipur in Lanka under the Lumding Division are among the upcoming terminals.
According to NFR authorities, these initiatives are a part of a larger effort under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan to improve freight efficiency, bolster multimodal connectivity, and address the region’s expanding logistical needs.
SOURCE – MARITIME GATEWAY
