Gandhinagar: The first load of coal has been dispatched through a newly laid railway line from Bedi Port near Jamnagar. By stating it as “first-of-its-kind” rail connectivity, the Chief Minister of Gujarat Mr. Bhupendra Patel congratulated Gujarat Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation(G-RIDE), the state’s Joint Venture Company (JVC) with Indian Railways. This JVC has implemented the project based on the PPP model through engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts within a short span of eight months.

The CM said, “This project will help further move towards the vision of PM Gati Shakti National Master plan for Multimodal Connectivity. Another road project on Jamnagar bypass is under progress. These strategic initiatives are expected to expand the capacity of the port, make supply chain more efficient, let direct loading from berth, reduce logistics cost, balanced modal mix for cargo movement, ensure ease of connectivity, and generate new employment opportunities”.

Owned by Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), Bedi Port is located in Jamnagar, on the southern coast of the Gulf of Kutch. It is an all-weather lighterage port, with a long wharf of 2,250 metres in length, currently having lighterage operation with cargo transportation via barges. Maximum draft at Bedi Anchorage is 16 metres. The port has a high dependency on Coal and Petroleum Coke with road freight movement to its immediate hinterland. The projected import/export annual traffic at the Bedi port is estimated to be approximately 2.8 million tonnes.

Developed by G-RIDE Bedi Port Rail Limited (GBPRL), this SPV project was incorporated as a joint venture with 74% share of GMB and remaining 26% under G-RIDE. The total cost of this 3km long was ₹70 crore.

Benefits of Rail Connectivity at Bedi Port

a. The rail connectivity to Bedi Port will increase its capacity manifold.

b. Traffic from busiest ports like Mundra, Kandla may be diverted to Bedi Port.

c. Cargo evacuation will be quicker and help reduce congestion at busiest ports.

d. Freight through rail is lower as compared to the road, so importer/exporter can benefit from this connectivity.

e. Cargo from northern and middle regions of India can be diverted with the availability of direct rail connectivity.

f. Reduction in environment emissions and traffic congestion on roads.

DeshGujarat