📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Railways
Politics
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Calls for 25‑Year Integrated Plan for Railways, Ports and Industry
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 15 Nov 2026, 02:23 PM
👁 18
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urged MPs and senior officials to prepare a 25‑year roadmap that synchronises the development of rail networks, ports and manufacturing clusters.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told a gathering of parliamentarians and senior railway and port officials that the three pillars – railways, ports and industry – must be planned together for the next quarter‑century. He said a coordinated strategy would eliminate bottlenecks in freight movement and make India’s supply chain more competitive.
Vaishnaw highlighted that isolated projects often lead to under‑utilised assets and higher logistics costs for manufacturers. By aligning new rail lines with port expansions and industrial corridors, the government aims to create seamless cargo corridors that can handle larger volumes at lower cost.
The minister asked the officials to form a joint task force that will draft a 25‑year master plan, outlining investment priorities, timelines and required policy reforms. The draft is expected to be presented to the Cabinet by the end of the financial year.
If implemented, the integrated plan could boost freight efficiency, attract foreign investment in manufacturing hubs and support the government’s Make in India agenda, while also generating employment across logistics and related sectors.
Vaishnaw highlighted that isolated projects often lead to under‑utilised assets and higher logistics costs for manufacturers. By aligning new rail lines with port expansions and industrial corridors, the government aims to create seamless cargo corridors that can handle larger volumes at lower cost.
The minister asked the officials to form a joint task force that will draft a 25‑year master plan, outlining investment priorities, timelines and required policy reforms. The draft is expected to be presented to the Cabinet by the end of the financial year.
If implemented, the integrated plan could boost freight efficiency, attract foreign investment in manufacturing hubs and support the government’s Make in India agenda, while also generating employment across logistics and related sectors.