Indian Railways' first Gati Shakti cargo terminal commissioned in Asansol Division of Eastern Railway

New Delhi [India], March 10 : In pursuance of the Prime Minister's vision "Gati Shakti" and Ministry of Railways' policy regarding 'Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal' (GCT), the Asansol Division of Indian Railways has successfully commissioned private siding of Maithan Power Limited at Thaparnagar, Jharkhand, informed the Ministry of Railways on Thursday.
Speaking at the commissioning of the GCT, Chairman and CEO, Railway Board, V K Tripathi said, "The Maithan Power Project was initiated in the year 2009 and subsequently, the power generation was started in the year 2011. The requirement of coal to the power project was being made through road which is expected to convert into 120 inward coal rakes per month. Also, two to four outward rakes of Fly Ash is projected to be handled from the siding. This will enhance railways' earnings by approximately Rs. 11 crores per month."
The location is in the vicinity of industrial and mining areas and the future prospect of the siding is promising.
Tripathi said that the Indian Railways is committed to making the vision of PM Gati Shakti a reality.
"Transportation by rail is good for the economy as it is the most energy-efficient and the most economical mode of transport. The commissioning of this terminal and more such terminals will have a very positive impact on the economy of the nation," he added.
This is the first such GCT commissioned in Indian Railways since the publication of GCT policy in December 2021, he added.
The Prime Minister's PM Gati Shakti is an initiative aimed at synergizing the infrastructure projects of all key infrastructure Ministries including Railways, Roadways, Waterways and Aviation for planning and coordinated execution of nation-wide infrastructure projects including all the State Governments.