Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, April 13 

Indian Railways and state-run fuel retailer Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) have signed an agreement to develop a multimodal cargo terminal in Jammu, a move expected to improve freight movement and energy supply in the region.

The agreement, signed on Monday between officials of the Jammu Railway Division and BPCL, covers a ‘Gati Shakti Multimodal Cargo Terminal’ (GCT) at Bajalta, which is slated to become operational by the end of April.

Railway officials said the terminal would facilitate the movement of petroleum products through rail, strengthening supply chains for Jammu and Kashmir as well as the neighbouring Ladakh region.

The project is part of the federal government’s Gati Shakti initiative aimed at improving logistics efficiency and coordination between transport networks and public sector enterprises.

“The terminal will enhance logistics and ensure smoother movement of petroleum products, supporting the region’s energy needs,” a railway spokesperson said.

Officials said shifting freight from road to rail would reduce congestion in Jammu city by lowering the number of fuel tankers on roads, while also cutting carbon emissions.

The facility is expected to handle up to two rakes per day, with a monthly capacity of about 1,62,000 tonnes of petroleum products. 

It will have a storage capacity of over 1,09,000 kilolitres and use dedicated tank wagons for operations.

Railway authorities said the terminal would provide year-round supply of fuel to strategically important areas, improve safety standards in handling petroleum products and lower logistics costs for industry.

They said that the project could generate direct and indirect employment opportunities and support regional economic activity.

With rail-road connectivity and automated systems, the terminal is expected to serve as a key logistics hub for the region over the long term.