South Central Railway recently launched a new Gati Shakti Multi Modal Cargo Terminal of M/s Chettinad Cement Corporation Pvt Ltd (CCTC). This goods terminal is served by Tummalacheruvu station on Guntur-Nadikudi section of Guntur Division. This goods terminal is opened for handling outward traffic of Cement and Clinker. Inward commodities being dealt at this terminal is Coal only.
The Gati-Shakti Multi Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) policy has been introduced by Indian Railways with a view to boost investment from industry in development of additional terminals for handling Rail cargos. These terminals will ease the handling of freight commodities for transportation by Rail with enhanced facilities duly providing safe and secure transportation.
With the commissioning of CCTC, first mile transportation cost to serving station and pollution is avoided besides getting the following benefits for the owners of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals.
Benefits of Gati-Shakti Terminals (GCTs):
Maintenance and operations of assets like track, signal and telecom, over-head equipment shall be borne by the Railways
Staff costs (Commercial staff deployed at GCT) will be borne by Railways
No terminal charges shall be levied on cargo for which GCTO himself is the consignor and /or consignee
No Terminal access charges will be levied for rakes of privately owned wagons handled at GCTs built on non-Railway land
The first rake from CCTC terminal having 59 BOXN wagons (4000 tns app) was being loaded with clinker on January 31 and will be moved to M/s Chettinadu Cement Corporation Ltd, Solapur fetching Guntur Division freight revenue of Rs.36 lakhs.
Mr. Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager, SCR appreciated the efforts of Guntur division in establishing the Gati Shakti terminal at Tummalacheruvu. He stated that establishing Gati Shakti terminals will boost the freight loading capability of Railways and will provide free access to the customers.
