Western Railway News: In a major boost to industrial growth, logistics efficiency and national security, the Government of India has approved a large-scale ₹3,375 crore rail infrastructure project for Gujarat’s Kutch district. The move strengthens Western Railway’s presence in one of India’s most strategically important regions and aims to transform transportation across coastal, desert and border areas. According to the latest Western Railway news, a total of 194 km of new broad-gauge railway lines will be constructed, offering direct benefits to more than 1.6 million residents.
The Cabinet has cleared two major new corridors—Deshalpar–Hajipir–Luna (82 km) and Vayor–Lakhpat (63 km)—along with the extension of the Bhuj–Naliya line up to Vayor and a new broad-gauge route connecting Naliya to Jakhau Port. The expansion aims to elevate industrial mobility, increase freight efficiency, expand tourism access and enhance India’s strategic readiness along the international border.
A Strategic Investment for Industry, Tourism and National Security
The ₹3,375 crore project aims to accelerate growth across the fast-developing western region of India. The new railway lines will significantly reduce transportation costs and enable seamless movement of salt, cement, coal, bentonite, bauxite and other key minerals for which Kutch is globally known.
Tourism is set to gain a major boost as well. The new routes will offer improved accessibility to heritage and spiritual destinations such as:
- The Harappan archaeological site Dholavira (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Koteshwar Mahadev Temple near the western edge of India
- Narayan Sarovar, one of Hinduism’s five sacred lakes
- The historic Lakhpat Fort, located near the Indo-Pakistan border
A total of 13 new railway stations will be developed to support this network, opening new opportunities for local businesses and employment. The construction timeline for the complete project is estimated at three years, with direct benefits expected for over 16 lakh (1.6 million) people across the Kutch region.
Key Project Components
1. New Broad-Gauge Rail Line: Deshalpar–Hajipir–Luna (82 km) & Vayor–Lakhpat (63 km)
Together forming a 145 km network, these two rail lines were approved by the Railway Board on 3 September 2025. The combined project cost is pegged at ₹2,526.47 crore.
The large-scale construction plan includes:
- 15 new railway stations
- 91 road underbridges
- 39 major bridges
- 74 minor bridges
- Land acquisition of 690 hectares
- Adoption of 2×25 kV AC electric traction, the modern standard for faster and energy-efficient rail operations
Industrial Impact
At present, this region lacks any direct rail connectivity and the nearest station is Bhuj, located 75 km away. The new line is expected to dramatically improve logistics for several major industries:
- Salt production in Luna, one of India’s largest salt belts, producing nearly 10 million tonnes annually
- Cement manufacturing units, including major plants near Vayor and Lakhpat
- Mining of bauxite, lignite and fluorite, which will now become more economical due to cheaper and faster rail transport
This development is expected to reduce road congestion, create new industrial clusters and attract fresh investment across the coastal belt.
2. Extension of Bhuj–Naliya Broad-Gauge Line to Vayor (25 km)
The Bhuj–Naliya line was recently upgraded from meter gauge to broad gauge. The newly approved extension up to Vayor will cost ₹437.18 crore, unlocking industrial and strategic potential.
Why This Extension Matters
The region houses one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, Sanghi Cement (Sanghipuram), located near the proposed Vayor station. Currently, the company relies heavily on trucks to transport goods to Bhuj before shipping them by rail.
Additionally, Jaypee Cement is constructing a large cement plant in the same area, further increasing the need for direct railway freight services.
With the new extension:
- Industries will receive direct rail connectivity
- Transportation of raw materials and finished goods will become faster, economical and safer
- Road traffic and pollution will reduce noticeably
- Logistics efficiency will rise across Kutch’s industrial hubs
This component of the project is expected to significantly strengthen Western Railway’s freight capacity, generating long-term economic benefits for industries across Gujarat and India.
3. Naliya–Jakhau Port New Broad-Gauge Line (25 km)
One of the most strategically important elements of the expansion is the construction of a new broad-gauge line from Naliya to Jakhau Port, costing ₹410.46 crore.
Why Jakhau Port is Crucial
Jakhau Port, located in Abdasa taluka, underwent major modernization in 2001. It is anticipated to become a major import-export hub in the near future due to:
- Availability of vast land parcels for industrial development
- Potential for warehouses, processing centres and logistics parks
- Increasing freight movement of coal, cement, clinker, salt and minerals
Currently, all goods from Jakhau move by road. The new rail link will shift major freight volumes to the railway system, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Strategic Importance
Jakhau Port lies just 67 km from the International Maritime Boundary with Pakistan, while Naliya hosts an important Indian Air Force base. Improved rail connectivity will:
- Support faster mobilisation of security forces
- Strengthen border infrastructure
- Enhance India’s strategic readiness on the western frontier
- Reduce pressure on Kandla and Mundra Ports, both of which currently handle massive freight loads
This aligns with India’s long-term border infrastructure modernisation plan.
Why Kutch Is Key for India’s Industrial Future
Kutch is one of India’s most resource-rich regions and plays a central role in the nation’s industrial output.
Limestone Capital of India
Almost 70% of India’s limestone production comes from Kutch. The region is known for its high-quality limestone containing:
- 48–50% CaO
- 4–6% silica (SiO₂)
This makes it ideal for high-grade cement and industrial applications.
Global-Quality Bentonite Reserves
Kutch is home to 209 active bentonite mines, mainly in Abdasa, Mandvi and Lakhpat. The region produces nearly 60 million tonnes annually, known worldwide for:
- High purity
- Excellent swelling properties
- Low salt content
These characteristics make Kutch bentonite highly sought-after in:
- Oil drilling fluids
- Cosmetics
- Waterproofing
- Agriculture
- Pharmaceuticals
Freight Powerhouse of Western Railway
Between April 2025 and October 2025, Western Railway recorded massive freight loading from Kutch:
- 1.727 million metric tonnes of industrial salt
- 1.119 million metric tonnes of edible salt
- 10.586 million metric tonnes of container cargo
This makes Kutch one of Western Railway’s biggest freight contributors and a backbone of India’s logistics network.
Also read: BSF Raising Day 2025: First-Ever National Celebration to Be Held in Bhuj
Border Connectivity: A Major Strategic Win
Beyond economic growth, the new rail lines offer a critical advantage for India’s national security. Kutch’s proximity to Pakistan makes it one of the most sensitive border regions in the country. Strengthening rail connectivity will:
- Improve mobility of defence personnel
- Enable faster movement of military equipment
- Support disaster response and evacuation operations
- Strengthen India’s operational preparedness
These railway projects align with India’s strategic objective of securing and modernising border infrastructure across western India.
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Conclusion: A Transformative Moment for Western Railway and Kutch
The approval of the ₹3,375 crore railway expansion marks a historic moment in Western Railway news and for Gujarat’s Kutch district. With 194 km of new broad-gauge tracks, improved freight mobility, strengthened border logistics, expanded tourism access and enlarged industrial capacity, this project represents one of the largest rail infrastructure upgrades in the region’s history.
Over the next three years, the new lines are expected to reshape transportation patterns, unlock new economic opportunities, reduce logistics costs and enhance India’s strategic capabilities. For millions of residents and businesses across the Kutch coastline and desert belt, this development promises faster growth, better connectivity and a stronger future.
