The Indian Railways and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) have entered into an agreement to develop a Gati Shakti multi-modal cargo terminal on the outskirts of Jammu. The initiative is designed to enhance freight movement while reinforcing the region’s energy supply chain.
The agreement was formalised between Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal, representing the Jammu division, and Chandan Chauhan, Territory Manager (Retail), Jammu, on behalf of BPCL, according to a Railways spokesperson.
The upcoming terminal is expected to improve logistics efficiency at the Jammu common user facility by enabling smoother and more reliable transportation of petroleum products. Located at Bajalta and developed under the Centre’s Gati Shakti initiative, the project aims to strengthen coordination between Indian Railways and public sector enterprises to support trade and infrastructure development.
As per the MoU, the facility will have a total storage capacity of 109,225 kilolitres and will be capable of handling two rakes per day. This translates to an estimated monthly throughput of around 162,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products. The terminal will utilise modern tank wagons for safer and more efficient handling and is scheduled to become operational by the end of the month.
The project is being viewed as a crucial step towards ensuring uninterrupted, year-round fuel supply to strategically significant regions such as Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Speaking on the development, Singhal noted that once operational, the terminal would ease congestion on Jammu’s roads by reducing the dependence on tank lorries, thereby improving traffic flow. He added that shifting freight transport from road to rail would help cut carbon emissions, lower logistics costs, and boost efficiency for industries, while also generating employment opportunities in the region.
Officials further highlighted that the use of dedicated tank wagons and a modernised terminal would significantly enhance safety, health, and environmental standards. Equipped with advanced automation and robust rail-road connectivity, the facility is expected to emerge as a key logistics hub for the region over the long term.
