New Delhi: A total of 48 GCTs have been commissioned across the country, including five in Jharkhand's Patratu, Sindri, Godda, Pakur, and Thaparnagar.

This information was given by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

In order to boost investment from the industry in setting up cargo terminals, the ‘Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT)’ policy has been launched, wherein GCTs are being developed by non-railway agencies, he said.

As per the provisions of the GCT policy, private parties/agencies/companies come forward to set up terminals.

Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal Operators are expected to complete the construction within twenty-four months from the grant of ‘In-Principle-Approval’.

The GCT policy helps in enhancing the participation of the private sector in Indian Railways, thereby generating direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The number cannot be ascertained as it has a multiplier effect on employment generation, the minister said.