Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone for five Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) in Gujarat, aimed at strengthening freight handling capacity and improving connectivity between regional economic centres, ports and markets across the country.
The Railway Minister also flagged off a salt-loaded freight train from Shivlakha GCT to Mithapur, marking a step towards greater use of railways for transporting salt from Gujarat to other parts of the country.
The GCT at Shivlakha in Kachchh was inaugurated, while the terminals at Bhimasar in Kachchh, Devaliya in Morbi and Chandisar in Banaskantha were dedicated to the nation. The foundation stone was laid for another GCT at Linch in Mahesana.
The new terminals are expected to expand rail freight capacity, reduce congestion and bottlenecks at port locations and strengthen connectivity between Gujarat’s ports and the northern hinterland.
By connecting regional economic centres with national markets and ports, the terminals are also expected to support industrial, trade and business activity in the state.
Focus on efficient salt transportation
Highlighting the importance of salt transportation, Vaishnaw said Gujarat, particularly Kachchh, is a major salt-producing region and transporting salt to different parts of the country has traditionally posed several challenges.
He said conventional railway wagons used for salt transportation have limitations, including the weight of the wagon itself and the tendency of salt to absorb moisture during transportation.
To address these challenges, lightweight stainless steel salt containers have been developed specifically for salt transportation. The containers allow loading from the top and unloading from the side, making the process more efficient and facilitating smoother movement of salt by rail.
Vaishnaw said 150 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals have now been commissioned across the country, providing industries with improved freight connectivity.
Railway infrastructure receives major push in Kachchh
The Railway Minister said railway projects worth around ₹5,600 crore are currently underway in the Kachchh region.
He highlighted capacity augmentation and doubling works on important sections connecting Samakhiali, Bhachau, Gandhidham, Adipur and Bhuj.
The Bhuj-Naliya section has been converted from metre gauge to broad gauge, while a new broad-gauge line from Naliya to Jakhau Port has also been sanctioned to further strengthen connectivity.
In the Kandla-Gandhidham industrial region, the Samakhiali-Bhachau section has already been made four-line, while the Gandhidham-Adipur section has also been made four-line. The Adipur-Bhuj single-line section is being doubled.
Vaishnaw said further railway network development towards Jakhau Port, Vayor, Luna, Hajipur and Desalpar would strengthen connectivity in the region.
The expanded network is expected to benefit industries, businesses and local communities, besides supporting the requirements of the defence sector in the strategically important Kachchh region.
Freight corridors to boost goods movement
Referring to the Dedicated Freight Corridors, Vaishnaw said the recently commissioned infrastructure would enable faster and more efficient transportation of goods.
He added that efforts are also underway to expand east-west freight connectivity.
On the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, the Railway Minister said construction on the Vapi-Surat section is targeted for completion by December 2026, after which testing and associated works will follow.
He also said the first coach of India’s indigenous high-speed train has been prepared and is undergoing various tests. The train is being developed as part of the country’s efforts towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and greater indigenisation of high-speed rail technology.
