Odisha has emerged as a major beneficiary of the Centre’s Gati Shakti Multi‑Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) initiative, with 12 cargo terminals already operational and in‑principle approval for 36 more across the state.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that a proposal for a new GCT at Porjanpur in Keonjhar constituency is also under consideration.
The GCT policy, designed to attract private investment in rail freight, aims to make cargo movement faster, cost‑effective, and environmentally sustainable.
Nationwide, 142 GCTs are operational, handling 146 million tonnes of freight in 2025‑26 and attracting nearly Rs 10,000 crore in private investment. Another 310 terminals have received in‑principle approval.
Odisha’s Operational Terminals
The 12 GCTs in Odisha are located at:
- Paradeep (three terminals), Jagatsinghpur
- Kechobahal–Laikera, Jharsuguda
- Jajpur Kendujhar Road, Jajpur
- Brajrajnagar, Jharsuguda
- Machapar, Kataka
- Barpali Road, Sundaragada
- Sogra, Sambalpur
- Brundamal, Jharsuguda
- Jakhpura, Jajpur
- Bondamunda Junction, Sundaragada
These facilities are expected to strengthen cargo movement for industries, ports, and mining regions across the state.
Boost to Rail Logistics
The terminals are equipped with warehouses, silos, and cold storage facilities, enabling efficient handling of commodities such as cement, steel, coal, fertilisers, foodgrains, automobiles, and agricultural produce.
Officials said the initiative is reducing logistics costs, improving wagon turnaround time, and encouraging a shift from road to rail. It is also expected to generate employment, enhance industrial competitiveness, and support regional economic growth.
