Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated five Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) in Gujarat on Tuesday, dedicating them to the nation and laying their foundation stones. The objective is to enhance freight handling capacity and improve rail connectivity between the state’s ports, industrial hubs, and markets.
The GCT at Shivlakha in Kachchh was inaugurated, while terminals at Bhimasar in Kachchh, Devaliya in Morbi and Chandisar in Banaskantha were dedicated to the nation. The foundation stone was laid for a terminal at Linch in Mahesana.
Vaishnaw also flagged off a salt-laden freight train from Shivlakha GCT to Mithapur. Highlighting Gujarat’s significance as a major salt producing region particularly Kachchh, he stated that the new lightweight stainless-steel salt containers would make loading and unloading more efficient and facilitate smoother transportation.
According to the Minister, 150 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals are now operational across India. These terminals are expected to improve freight transportation, reduce congestion at ports, and strengthen rail connectivity between Gujarat and the northern hinterland.
Vaishnaw stated that railway projects worth approximately ₹5,600 crore are currently underway in Kachchh. These include capacity enhancement and doubling work on key sections connecting Samakhiali, Bhachau, Gandhidham, Adipur, and Bhuj. Additionally, the scope covers the Bhuj-Naliya gauge conversion and the approved Naliya-Jakhau Port broad-gauge line project.
The Railway Minister said that the Bhuj–Naliya section has recently been converted from metre gauge to broad gauge. He added that railway infrastructure connecting Naliya with Jakhau Port, Vayor, Luna, Hajipur and Desalpar is also being further expanded.
He also emphasized the ongoing expansion of rail infrastructure in the Kandla-Gandhidham industrial area, which includes the development of four-line sections between Samakhiali-Bhachau and Gandhidham-Adipur, as well as the doubling of the Adipur-Bhuj section.
Speaking about the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, Vaishnaw stated that the target is to complete the construction of the Vapi-Surat section by December 2026, after which testing and related activities will be carried out. He also mentioned that the first coach of India’s own high-speed train is ready and is currently undergoing testing.
(PIB)
