Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone for five Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) in Gujarat, strengthening the State’s freight handling capacity and improving connectivity between regional economic centres, ports and markets across the country.
Among the five GCTs, the GCT at Shivlakha in Kachchh was inaugurated . The GCT at Bhimasar in Kachchh, the GCT at Devaliya in Morbi, and the GCT at Chandisar in Banaskantha were dedicated to the nation. The foundation stone was laid for the GCT at Linch in Mahesana.
These terminals will help expand rail capacity for freight movement, reduce congestion and bottlenecks at port locations and strengthen freight connectivity between the ports of Gujarat and the northern hinterland. By connecting local economic centres with wider national markets and ports, the GCTs will support growing industrial, trade and business activity in the region.
Shri Vaishnaw said that 150 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals have now been commissioned across the country, providing benefits to industries and improving freight connectivity.
Speaking about railway infrastructure in Kachchh, Shri Vaishnaw said that railway projects worth around Rs 5,600 crore are currently underway in the Kachchh region. He highlighted the capacity augmentation and doubling works on important sections connecting Samakhiali, Bhachau, Gandhidham, Adipur and Bhuj. He said the Bhuj-Naliya gauge conversion project has strengthened rail connectivity in the region. He added that the Naliya-Jakhau Port new broad-gauge line has also been sanctioned, which will further improve connectivity in the region.
Speaking about railway infrastructure in the Kandla-Gandhidham industrial region, Shri Vaishnaw said rail connectivity is being strengthened through capacity augmentation works. He said the Samakhiali-Bhachau section has already been made four-line. The Gandhidham-Adipur section has already been made four-line, while the Adipur-Bhuj single-line section is being doubled.
The Railway Minister added that the Bhuj-Naliya section has recently been converted from metre gauge to broad gauge. Shri Vaishnaw said the railway network from Naliya towards Jakhau Port, Vayor, Luna, Hajipur and Desalpar is also being developed further.
Shri Vaishnaw said the expanded railway network will provide significant benefits to the Kachchh region, particularly for the requirements of the defence sector and industry. It will also benefit residents living in this challenging terrain. Together, these initiatives strengthen both freight and passenger infrastructure in Gujarat, improve access to rail services and cargo facilities, and create greater opportunities for industries, businesses and local communities to benefit from efficient rail connectivity.
