- The new GCTs will facilitate faster cargo movement, reduce logistics costs, and connect regional businesses to national markets
- The Union Minister also flagged off a salt-laden freight train from Shivlakha GCT to Mithapur
- Lightweight stainless steel salt containers will simplify the loading, unloading, and transportation of salt
Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated, dedicated to the nation, and laid the foundation stone for five Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) in Gujarat today. This initiative will strengthen the state’s freight handling capacity and improve connectivity between regional economic hubs, ports, and markets across the country.
Shri Vaishnaw also flagged off a freight train loaded with salt from Shivlakha GCT to Mithapur. This marks a significant step towards increasing rail usage for transporting salt from Gujarat to its destinations.
Among these five GCTs, those located at Shivlakha and Bhimsar (Kutch), Devaliya (Morbi), and Chandisar (Banaskantha) were dedicated to the nation, while the foundation stone was laid for the GCT at Linch (Mehsana).
These terminals will help enhance rail capacity for freight, reduce congestion and bottlenecks at ports, and strengthen freight connectivity between Gujarat’s ports and northern hinterlands. By linking local economic hubs with major national markets and ports, these GCTs will boost the region’s growing industrial, trade, and commercial activities.
Emphasizing the importance of salt transportation, Shri Vaishnaw noted that salt is an essential commodity used in every household, including those of the poor and middle class. He stated that Gujarat—particularly Kutch—is a major salt-producing region, and transporting salt to various parts of the country has traditionally faced several challenges. Shri Vaishnaw explained that when salt was transported using traditional railway wagons, a significant portion of the wagon’s total capacity was consumed by the weight of the wagon itself. Furthermore, salt absorbs moisture, causing the cargo to become wet during transit, which also created difficulties during loading and unloading. He stated that the new lightweight stainless steel salt container has been specifically designed to address these challenges. This container features top-loading and side-unloading capabilities. He noted that these new containers would facilitate the transport of salt to various parts of the country while also streamlining and improving the loading and unloading processes.
- Shri Vaishnaw mentioned that 150 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals are now operational across the country, benefiting industries and enhancing freight connectivity.
Speaking about railway infrastructure in Kutch, Shri Vaishnaw stated that railway projects worth approximately ₹5,600 crore are currently underway in the region. He highlighted capacity enhancement and track doubling works on key sections connecting Samakhiali, Bhachau, Gandhidham, Adipur, and Bhuj. He noted that the Bhuj-Naliya gauge conversion project has strengthened rail connectivity in the area. He also mentioned that a new broad-gauge line to Naliya-Jakhau Port has been approved, which will further improve connectivity in the region.
Discussing railway infrastructure development in the Kandla-Gandhidham industrial area, Shri Vaishnaw stated that rail connectivity is being strengthened through capacity enhancement works. He informed that the Samakhiali-Bhachau section has already been upgraded to four lines. The Gandhidham-Adipur section has also been converted to four lines, while the single-line Adipur-Bhuj section is being converted into a double-line section. The Railway Minister further stated that the Bhuj-Naliya section has recently been converted from meter gauge to broad gauge. Shri Vaishnaw mentioned that the railway network extending from Naliya to Jakhau Port, Vayor, Luna, Hajipur, and Deshalpar is also being further developed.
Shri Vaishnaw noted that the expansion of the railway network would greatly benefit the Kutch region, particularly in meeting the needs of the defense and industrial sectors. It will also benefit the people residing in this challenging terrain. All these initiatives will 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 leverage enhanced rail connectivity.
Speaking about the Dedicated Freight Corridor, Shri Vaishnaw stated that the recently initiated infrastructure developments would significantly boost freight operations by enabling faster and more efficient movement of goods. He also mentioned that work is underway to enhance East-West freight connectivity.
Regarding the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, Shri Vaishnaw stated that the target is to complete the construction of the Vapi-Surat section by December 2026. He added that testing and other related activities would follow. Shri Vaishnaw informed that the first coach of India’s own high-speed train is ready and is undergoing various tests. He stated that this train is being developed as part of the country’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) efforts and to promote greater indigenization in high-speed rail technology.
The event was attended by the Hon’ble Minister of State from the Government of Gujarat…Shri Trikambhai Chhanga, Hon’ble MP Shri Vinodbhai Chavda, Hon’ble MP Shri Haribhai Patel, Hon’ble MP Shri Rajubhai Shukla, and Hon’ble MP Shri Chandubhai Sihora participated, along with other officials and dignitaries.