The Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has made a series of urgent representations to the Central government, highlighting mounting challenges faced by trade, transport, and industry amid global maritime disruptions and domestic policy concerns.
In a communication addressed to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the Chamber has sought immediate suspension of the recent toll hike implemented from April 1, 2026. GCCI President Teja Kangad noted that ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region have disrupted global shipping systems, leading to stranded consignments, erratic schedules, and rising costs for importers and exporters. Given that key ports like Deendayal Port and Mundra Port handle a significant share of India’s EXIM trade, regions like Kutch are particularly vulnerable. The Chamber emphasized that the toll hike has added financial strain at a time when sectors such as ceramics and logistics are already witnessing a slowdown.
Simultaneously, the Chamber has approached Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging enhanced railway connectivity to support Kutch’s rapid growth as an industrial and tourism hub. Highlighting the dependence of thousands of workers and entrepreneurs from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan, GCCI called for regularization and expansion of key train services, including extending routes to Gandhidham and Bhuj, along with improved passenger amenities. The Chamber believes better rail infrastructure is essential to boost trade, tourism, and regional development.
In a separate representation to the Ministry of Agriculture, GCCI raised concerns over discrepancies in plant quarantine (PQ) inspection fees for imported timber under the newly introduced PQMS SWIFT 2.0 system. Acting on inputs from the Kandla Timber Association, the Chamber pointed out that the system currently calculates fees solely based on weight, leading to charges significantly higher than the earlier method under the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003, which considered either cubic measurement or weight—whichever was higher.
GCCI officials warned that these anomalies have disrupted customs clearance processes, with consignments facing delays, and traders incurring heavy detention and ground rent charges. The Chamber has demanded immediate suspension and review of the system, revision of the fee structure, and refunds for excess charges collected.
Through its representations—also shared with local MP Vinodbhai Chavda and other officials—the Chamber has urged swift intervention, stressing that timely relief measures are critical to stabilizing trade, support transporters, and sustain economic momentum in port-dependent regions like Kutch.
