The Union Cabinet has cleared multiple railway projects in Gujarat’s Kutch district, paving the way for 194 km of new rail connectivity aimed at strengthening mineral transport and port-linked logistics in the region.
The approved works include two new corridors—Desalpar–Hajipir–Luna spanning 81.77 km and Vayor–Lakhpat covering 62.69 km. These will be complemented by the 24.65 km extension of the Bhuj–Naliya line up to Vayor and a 24.88 km link from Naliya to Jakhau Port. Together, the projects involve an investment of around Rs 3,375 crore.
Kutch, one of the country’s leading producers of limestone and bentonite clay, is expected to gain significantly from these additions, with the new routes designed to streamline bulk mineral transportation and reduce the pressure on existing road networks. The Bhuj–Naliya extension is set to support cement and allied industries by improving freight movement and easing vehicular congestion.
The Naliya–Jakhau Port section, estimated to cost Rs 410.46 crore, will integrate Jakhau Port with the national railway grid. This link is projected to enhance cargo evacuation capacity while reducing load on other major ports along the western coastline. Its location near the international border and the Naliya Air Force Station also lends strategic value to the corridor.
With these approvals, Kutch is positioned for improved industrial connectivity and enhanced logistics efficiency across its mineral belts and coastal hubs.