India’s Largest Auto Cargo Terminal Opens at Manesar

23 Jun 2025 CW Team

The facility connects to Patli railway station via a 10-kilometre dedicated rail line, forming part of the 121.7-kilometre Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor being developed by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC). The link was built at a cost of Rs 8 billion, with HRIDC contributing Rs 6.84 billion and Maruti Suzuki funding the remainder.

With a loading capacity of 450,000 vehicles annually, the Manesar terminal boasts one of the highest capacities among automobile cargo terminals in India. The project is aligned with the government’s PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which seeks to integrate and modernise the country’s logistics and infrastructure systems.

Speaking at the event, Vaishnaw highlighted broader initiatives by Indian Railways to improve both freight and passenger services. He announced the expansion of Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains, with over 100 sets to be upgraded from 8–12 coaches to 16–20 coaches to serve short-distance commuters more effectively. A new factory in Kazipet, Andhra Pradesh, will support MEMU train production.

Vaishnaw also shared updates on the Namo Bharat train initiative, with 50 new trains planned to meet increasing passenger demand. For 2023–24, Indian Railways transported around 7.2 billion passengers and moved 1.617 billion tonnes of freight, achieving the world’s second-highest freight volume.

In terms of ticketing reforms, from 1 July 2025, only Aadhaar-authenticated and KYC-verified users will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets during the initial 30-minute window. A pilot project in the Bikaner Division now allows reservation charts to be prepared 24 hours ahead of train departures, instead of the usual four hours.

The minister also mentioned the rollout of Amrit Bharat trains, with three currently operational and six more launching soon. Production for an additional 50 trains is underway. Meanwhile, the Railway Coach Factory in Sonipat is being modernised and will soon be inaugurated to increase production capacity.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday inaugurated India’s largest Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal for automobiles at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd’s Manesar facility in Haryana. The new terminal is expected to significantly improve rail-based logistics efficiency for the automotive sector.The facility connects to Patli railway station via a 10-kilometre dedicated rail line, forming part of the 121.7-kilometre Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor being developed by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC). The link was built at a cost of Rs 8 billion, with HRIDC contributing Rs 6.84 billion and Maruti Suzuki funding the remainder.With a loading capacity of 450,000 vehicles annually, the Manesar terminal boasts one of the highest capacities among automobile cargo terminals in India. The project is aligned with the government’s PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which seeks to integrate and modernise the country’s logistics and infrastructure systems.Speaking at the event, Vaishnaw highlighted broader initiatives by Indian Railways to improve both freight and passenger services. He announced the expansion of Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains, with over 100 sets to be upgraded from 8–12 coaches to 16–20 coaches to serve short-distance commuters more effectively. A new factory in Kazipet, Andhra Pradesh, will support MEMU train production.Vaishnaw also shared updates on the Namo Bharat train initiative, with 50 new trains planned to meet increasing passenger demand. For 2023–24, Indian Railways transported around 7.2 billion passengers and moved 1.617 billion tonnes of freight, achieving the world’s second-highest freight volume.In terms of ticketing reforms, from 1 July 2025, only Aadhaar-authenticated and KYC-verified users will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets during the initial 30-minute window. A pilot project in the Bikaner Division now allows reservation charts to be prepared 24 hours ahead of train departures, instead of the usual four hours.The minister also mentioned the rollout of Amrit Bharat trains, with three currently operational and six more launching soon. Production for an additional 50 trains is underway. Meanwhile, the Railway Coach Factory in Sonipat is being modernised and will soon be inaugurated to increase production capacity.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..