The Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce and Industry has raised a series of critical infrastructure and regulatory concerns affecting the logistics ecosystem in Kutch, urging swift intervention from both central and state authorities.
In a detailed representation to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Chamber emphasized the urgent need to accelerate the development and strengthening of key national highways connecting the Kutch region. Highlighting the strategic importance of Deendayal Port and Mundra Port—which together handle a substantial share of India’s EXIM trade—the Chamber stressed that efficient road connectivity is vital to 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 in Gandhinagar and Project Director Ajay Swami in Gandhidham, to submit a comprehensive memorandum. Among the key issues raised were delays in the final package of the Amritsar–Jamnagar Expressway, heavy congestion on the Bamnbore–Samakhiyali stretch, and slow progress of six-laning works on the Samakhiyali–Santalpur route.
The Chamber also flagged the deteriorating condition of the Santalpur–Palanpur road and mounting traffic pressure on the Kandla–Mundra corridor. It called for expediting critical projects such as the proposed coastal highway between Kandla and Maliya and a six-lane link road to NH-8A to enhance port connectivity and reduce logistics costs.
Operational bottlenecks at the Samakhiyali–Surajbari toll plaza were another major concern, with transporters facing long queues and delays. The Chamber recommended increasing toll lanes and deploying advanced traffic management systems. It also urged authorities to prioritize maintenance, ensure crane availability, and complete ongoing works ahead of the monsoon to improve road safety.
In a separate but related development, the Chamber has taken up transporters’ concerns about the mandatory implementation of Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD) in national permit vehicles. Acting on representations from tanker and container associations, the issue was escalated to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, citing practical, technical, and financial challenges.
Transporters argued that most fleets already use GPS-based tracking systems, making the VLTD requirement duplicative and costly. Industry representatives, including tanker association leader Rameshbhai Mayatra and container association president Bhagirathsinh Jadeja, noted that additional compliance burdens could disrupt supply chains in a region that serves as a major logistics hub.
A joint representation was also submitted to the Regional Transport Office in Gandhidham, while the Gujarat Government’s temporary relief on enforcement until May 1 has provided limited respite. Chamber officials reiterated their support for safety initiatives but stressed that implementation must reflect operational realities.
Positioning itself as a mediator, the Chamber has called for a balanced and practical approach that safeguards transporter interests while achieving policy objectives. NHAI officials have assured that the infrastructure concerns will be addressed on priority, while stakeholders remain hopeful of a timely resolution on both fronts.
The Chamber expressed confidence that coordinated action on infrastructure upgrades and regulatory clarity will strengthen Kutch’s role in India’s trade and logistics network.
