Gandhidham Chamber flags infrastructure gaps, seeks policy relief for Kutch Logistics Sector

GANDHIDHAM : The Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce and Industry has pointed a series of critical infrastructure and regulatory concerns impacting the logistics ecosystem in Kutch, calling for swift intervention from both central and state authorities.

In a detailed representation to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Chamber highlighted the urgent need to accelerate development and strengthening of key national highways connecting the region. Emphasizing the strategic importance of Deendayal Port and Mundra Port—which together handle a substantial share of India’s EXIM trade—the Chamber stressed that robust road connectivity is essential for sustaining economic growth and ensuring seamless cargo movement.

A delegation led by President Teja Kangad, Honorary Secretary Mahesh Tirthani, and Executive Committee Member Harish Maheshwari met senior NHAI officials, including Regional Officer Pradeep Atri and Project Director Ajay Swami, to submit a comprehensive memorandum.

Among the key concerns raised were delays in the final package of the Amritsar–Jamnagar Expressway, persistent congestion on the Bamnbore–Samakhiyali stretch, and slow progress in six-laning works on the Samakhiyali–Santalpur route. The Chamber also flagged the deteriorating condition of the Santalpur–Palanpur road and increasing traffic pressure on the Kandla–Mundra corridor.

To address these issues, the Chamber urged authorities to expedite critical projects such as the proposed coastal highway between Kandla and Maliya and a six-lane link road to NH-8A, aimed at enhancing port connectivity and reducing logistics costs.

Operational bottlenecks at the Samakhiyali–Surajbari toll plaza were also highlighted, with transporters facing long queues and delays. The Chamber recommended increasing toll lanes, deploying advanced traffic management systems, and prioritizing maintenance works. It further stressed the need to ensure crane availability and complete ongoing infrastructure upgrades ahead of the monsoon to improve road safety.

In a parallel development, the Chamber has taken up concerns regarding the mandatory implementation of Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD) in national permit vehicles. The issue was escalated to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari following representations from tanker and container associations.

Transporters argued that most fleets already operate GPS-based tracking systems, making the VLTD mandate duplicative and financially burdensome. Industry representatives, including tanker association leader Rameshbhai Mayatra and container association president Bhagirathsinh Jadeja, cautioned that additional compliance requirements could disrupt supply chains in one of India’s key logistics hubs.

A joint representation was also submitted to the Regional Transport Office in Gandhidham. While temporary relief on enforcement granted by the Gujarat Government until May 1 has provided some respite, stakeholders have called for a more practical and phased implementation approach.

Positioning itself as a key industry mediator, the Chamber emphasized the need for balanced policy measures that safeguard transporter interests while achieving safety and regulatory objectives. NHAI officials have assured that infrastructure concerns will be addressed on priority, and stakeholders remain optimistic about a timely resolution.

The Chamber expressed confidence that coordinated action on infrastructure upgrades and regulatory clarity will further strengthen Kutch’s position as a critical gateway in India’s trade and logistics network.