Kutch: The Ahmedabad Division of Western Railway has completed the quadruplication—addition of the third and fourth lines—on the Gandhidham–Adipur section. A safety inspection of the upgraded stretch will be conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Western Circle, on February 9 and 10, 2026, followed by a speed trial at 120 kmph on February 10. Local residents have been advised to stay away from railway tracks and avoid crossing the line during this period.

The Ahmedabad Division is continuously working to make its railway network more efficient, safe, and future-ready. As part of this effort, quadruplication of the Gandhidham–Adipur railway section in Gujarat, along with the provision of a ‘Y’ connection at Adipur station, is being undertaken to meet the growing rail traffic demand in the Kutch region and to facilitate port-based freight movement.

Key features of the project

• Track linking: 17 km

• Minor bridges: 8

• Earthwork: 2.60 lakh cubic metres

• Construction of Signal & Telecom (S&T) and Operating Control (OC) buildings at Adipur station

• Electrification of the entire section, including the fourth line

• Development of a modern station building at Gopalpur, modelled on Chhayapuri station

• Yard remodelling at Gandhidham B cabin with installation of 16 new points and crossings

• Yard remodelling at Adipur station with 21 new points and crossings and one additional loop line

Importance of the project

The Gandhidham–Adipur broad-gauge section is a major freight loading corridor handling import-export traffic from Kandla and Mundra ports, as well as cargo from Bhuj, Vayor, and surrounding regions. The section is currently oversaturated, creating operational pressure and necessitating two additional lines to ease congestion.

Salt and general cargo from Bhuj, Vayor, and Hajipir are transported nationwide through this route. With the expanding capacity of Mundra Port, freight traffic is expected to increase further. Quadruplication will help decongest the section and improve freight train management.

Boost to Kutch region development

The section records the highest Gross Million Tonnes (GMT) loading in the Ahmedabad Division, exceeding 70 GMT annually. Increased line capacity will enable smoother, safer, and more punctual train operations, improve passenger train punctuality, and allow introduction of additional services.

As a strategically important Western Railway corridor connecting ports, industries, and the national rail network, the addition of third and fourth lines will facilitate uninterrupted movement of both freight and passenger trains.

Trains from Ahmedabad halting at the new Gopalpur station will no longer require engine reversal at Gandhidham to proceed toward Bhuj, saving nearly 20 minutes of travel time. The ‘Y’ connection at Adipur will eliminate direction changes, saving both time and fuel while simplifying operations.

Faster movement of containers, petroleum, fertilisers, food grains, and other port-linked cargo will reduce wagon turnaround time, optimise logistics costs, and benefit trade and industry.

Overall, the Gandhidham–Adipur quadruplication and ‘Y’ connection project marks a significant step toward strengthening railway infrastructure and supporting the socio-economic development of the Kutch region.