Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, Sept 15: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has flagged off a salt-loaded freight train from Shivlakha GCT to Mithapur, marking an important step towards greater use of rail for movement of salt from Gujarat to its destination.
Besides, Vaishnaw also 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 GCTs at Shivlakha and 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.
He said the new containers will make it easier to transport salt to different parts of the country, while making the loading and unloading process smoother and more efficient.
Vaishnaw said that 150 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals have now been commissioned across the country, providing benefits to industries and improving freight connectivity.
Referring to Dedicated Freight Corridors, Vaishnaw mentioned the recently commissioned infrastructure would provide significant benefits for freight transportation by enabling faster and more efficient movement of goods. He added that work on expanding east-west freight connectivity is also being pursued.
On the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, Vaishnaw said construction on the Vapi-Surat section is targeted by December 2026.
He added that testing and other associated works would follow.
Vaishnaw said the first coach of India’s indigenous high-speed train has been prepared and is undergoing various tests.
He added that the train is being developed as part of the country’s efforts towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and greater indigenisation of high-speed rail technology. (BVI)
