Jakhapura Gets New Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal
Odisha’s Industrial Belt to Benefit From Boost in Rail-Based Logistics Capacity
Bhubaneswar: A new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal (GCT) has been commissioned at Jakhapura in Jajpur district, giving a significant push to Odisha’s industrial logistics network. Developed under the Khurda Road division of the East Coast Railway (ECoR), the terminal strengthens the state’s position as a key industrial and freight hub in eastern India.
Built at a cost of ₹36.85 crore, the terminal features four handling lines and is designed for exclusive use by industries dependent on bulk rail transport. The facility can dispatch cement and receive clinker, slag, and gypsum—materials crucial for cement and allied sectors operating in and around Jajpur, Kalinganagar, and other industrial clusters.
According to the Detailed Project Report, the terminal is expected to handle around 86 rakes per month. This includes 36 outward rakes carrying cement and around 50 inward rakes bringing in raw materials, ensuring a smoother and more cost-efficient supply chain for manufacturers.
Railway officials said the commissioning of the terminal will significantly enhance freight handling efficiency and reduce logistics costs for industries in the region. It is also expected to decongest existing freight points and improve turnaround time for rakes.
In its official statement, the railway division noted that the Jakhapura GCT will strengthen the industrial supply chain and contribute directly to the growth of local manufacturing units. With Odisha emerging as a major player in steel, cement, and minerals, improved freight infrastructure is seen as crucial for sustaining industrial expansion.
The terminal is part of the government’s PM Gati Shakti – National Master Plan, which focuses on building integrated, multimodal logistics systems. By expanding rail-based freight capacity, the Jakhapura GCT supports the broader goal of shifting more cargo movement to cost-effective and environmentally sustainable rail networks.
Industry experts say the new facility will be particularly beneficial for cement plants and other heavy industries in the Jajpur–Kalinganagar zone, which rely heavily on bulk cargo movement. The improved connectivity is expected to enable faster movement of raw materials, reduce operational delays, and enhance overall competitiveness.
With the addition of this terminal, the East Coast Railway continues to strengthen its freight infrastructure portfolio, contributing both to Odisha’s economic momentum and to India’s long-term goal of creating seamless logistics corridors under the Gati Shakti framework.
