The Ministry of Railways has inaugurated four Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) across Gujarat and laid the foundation stone for a fifth terminal. The move aims to strengthen the state’s freight handling capacity and link local businesses with national markets and ports through improved rail connectivity.
What was inaugurated and where
Four cargo terminals were dedicated to the nation: Shivlakha and Bhimasar in Kachchh, Devaliya in Morbi, and Chandisar in Banaskantha. The foundation stone was laid for the Linch GCT in Mahesana. The Railway Minister also flagged off a salt-laden freight train from Shivlakha GCT to Mithapur.
A total of 150 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals have now been commissioned across India. These terminals are designed to reduce congestion at ports, cut logistics costs, and strengthen freight movement between regional centres and national markets.
The salt container innovation
A new lightweight stainless steel container has been introduced specifically for salt transportation. Traditional railway wagons lost significant carrying capacity to the weight of the wagon itself. Salt also absorbs moisture during transport, making it difficult to load and unload. The new container allows loading from the top and unloading from the side, making the process smoother and more efficient.
Broader railway expansion in the region
Railway projects worth approximately 5,600 crore rupees are underway in Kachchh. This includes capacity augmentation and track doubling on sections connecting Samakhiali, Bhachau, Gandhidham, Adipur and Bhuj. The Bhuj-Naliya section has been converted from metre gauge to broad gauge. A new broad-gauge line from Naliya to Jakhau Port has been sanctioned. In the Kandla-Gandhidham industrial region, the Samakhiali-Bhachau and Gandhidham-Adipur sections have been made four-lane, while the Adipur-Bhuj section is being doubled.
What this means for you
If you are involved in salt production or trade in Gujarat, these terminals and improved containers will make transportation faster and less costly. For businesses in the region, better rail connectivity opens access to wider national markets. Residents in these areas will benefit from improved infrastructure and reduced logistics costs for essential commodities reaching their regions.