Western Railway to Develop New Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal at Khakhrechi in Gujarat

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Division of Western Railway has awarded a 35-year contract to Emirates Logistics India Private Limited for developing a Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal (GCT) at Khakhrechi in Morbi district.

The project involves developing modern freight loading and unloading facilities on 80,413 square metres of railway land through private investment. The initiative aims to strengthen regional freight infrastructure, improve logistics efficiency and increase railway revenue through the commercial utilisation of railway assets.

₹15 lakh annual land licence fee expected

Under the agreement, Indian Railways is expected to earn an annual land licence fee of more than ₹15 lakh from the terminal. The project will also generate additional revenue through a revenue-sharing mechanism while enabling the development of modern freight-handling infrastructure without direct capital investment by the Railways.

The terminal is expected to provide industries and businesses in the region with improved facilities for transporting goods by rail. Modern cargo-handling infrastructure will facilitate smoother loading and unloading operations and encourage greater use of rail-based freight transportation.

Ahmedabad Division handles 2.3 million tonnes of freight

Currently, eight Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals are operational in the Ahmedabad Division of Western Railway, handling commodities such as containers, salt, bentonite, cement, fertilisers, sugar and pulses.

Between April and October 2026, more than 1,700 rakes, comprising over 65,000 wagons, were loaded at these terminals. During this seven-month period, approximately 2.3 million tonnes of freight were transported, generating more than ₹330 crore in revenue for Indian Railways.

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Ved Prakash said the development of the Khakhrechi Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal would expand freight transportation facilities in the region and provide industries and commercial establishments with improved infrastructure for goods movement.

The project aligns with the objectives of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which seeks to strengthen multimodal connectivity, develop modern infrastructure and establish an integrated logistics network across the country. Increased rail-based freight movement is also expected to reduce dependence on road transportation and promote a more environmentally sustainable logistics system. DeshGujarat