Indian Railways expands Gujarat freight network with five new GCTs

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone for five Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) in Gujarat, expanding the state’s rail freight handling capacity and strengthening connectivity between industrial centres, ports and national 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 fifth terminal at Linch in Mahesana.

The terminals are expected to support faster cargo movement, reduce logistics bottlenecks and improve rail connectivity between Gujarat’s ports and the northern hinterland. By connecting regional production centres with national markets, the GCT network is also aimed at supporting industrial and trade activity across the state.

At Shivlakha, Vaishnaw also flagged off a salt-loaded freight train to Mithapur, highlighting the role of rail in transporting salt from Gujarat, one of India’s major salt-producing regions.

A key feature of the initiative is the use of lightweight stainless steel containers for salt transportation. According to the minister, conventional railway wagons add to the tare weight and salt can absorb moisture during transportation, creating challenges during loading and unloading.

The new containers are designed for top loading and side unloading, with the aim of making salt handling and transportation more efficient.

The expansion comes as the number of commissioned Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals across India reaches 150. The terminals are designed to provide industries with dedicated facilities for handling freight and improve first- and last-mile connectivity to the rail network.

The government is also expanding rail capacity across the Kachchh region. Railway projects worth around ₹5,600 crore are currently under way, including capacity augmentation and doubling works on sections connecting Samakhiali, Bhachau, Gandhidham, Adipur and Bhuj.

The Samakhiali-Bhachau section has been expanded to four lines, while the Gandhidham-Adipur section has also been made four-line. Work is under way to double the Adipur-Bhuj section.

The Bhuj-Naliya section has been converted from metre gauge to broad gauge, while a new broad-gauge line connecting Naliya with Jakhau Port has been sanctioned. Further railway development is also planned towards Vayor, Luna, Hajipur and Desalpar.

These projects are expected to strengthen rail access to the Kandla-Gandhidham industrial region and improve freight connectivity with ports and industrial clusters.

The wider expansion of rail infrastructure is expected to support the movement of commodities from Gujarat’s production centres and ports to markets across the country. It also complements the development of Dedicated Freight Corridors and efforts to improve east-west freight connectivity.

The government said the combination of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals, additional rail capacity and port connectivity will help create more efficient freight routes for industries and businesses in Gujarat.