Vaishnaw also flagged off a salt-loaded freight train from Shivlakha GCT to Mithapur, marking an important step towards greater use of rail for movement of salt from Gujarat to its destination.     Among the five GCTs, the GCT at Shivlakha in Kachchh was inaugurated. The GCT at Bhimasar in Kachchh, the GCT at Devaliya in Morbi, and the GCT at Chandisar in Banaskantha were dedicated to the nation. The foundation stone was laid for the GCT at Linch in Mahesana.      These terminals will help expand rail capacity for freight movement, reduce congestion and bottlenecks at port locations and strengthen freight connectivity between the ports of Gujarat and the northern hinterland. By connecting local economic centres with wider national markets and ports, the GCTs will support growing industrial, trade and business activity in the region.      Highlighting the importance of salt transportation, Vaishnaw said salt is an essential commodity consumed by every household, including poor and middle-class families. He said Gujarat, particularly Kachchh, is a major salt-producing region, and transporting salt to different parts of the country has traditionally posed several challenges. He explained that when salt was transported in conventional railway wagons, a significant portion of the wagon’s carrying capacity was taken up by the wagon itself, and salt also tends to absorb moisture, causing the cargo to become wet during transportation and creating difficulties during loading and unloading. He said the new lightweight stainless steel salt container has been designed specifically to address these challenges, allowing loading from the top and unloading from the side, which will make transporting salt easier while making the loading and unloading process smoother and more efficient.   Vaishnaw said 150 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals have now been commissioned across the country, providing benefits to industries and improving freight connectivity.     Speaking about railway infrastructure in Kachchh, he said railway projects worth around Rs 5,600 crore are currently underway in the region, highlighting capacity augmentation and doubling works on sections connecting Samakhiali, Bhachau, Gandhidham, Adipur and Bhuj. He said the Bhuj-Naliya gauge conversion project has strengthened rail connectivity, and the Naliya-Jakhau Port new broad-gauge line has also been sanctioned to further improve connectivity in the region.      On the Kandla-Gandhidham industrial region, Vaishnaw said the Samakhiali-Bhachau section has already been made four-line, the Gandhidham-Adipur section has also been made four-line, and the Adipur-Bhuj single-line section is being doubled. He added that the Bhuj-Naliya section has recently been converted from metre gauge to broad gauge, and the railway network from Naliya towards Jakhau Port, Vayor, Luna, Hajipur and Desalpar is being developed further.      Vaishnaw said the expanded railway network will provide significant benefits to the Kachchh region, particularly for the requirements of the defence sector and industry, and will also benefit residents living in this challenging terrain. Together, these initiatives strengthen both freight and passenger infrastructure in Gujarat, improve access to rail services and cargo facilities, and create greater opportunities for industries, businesses and local communities.   Referring to Dedicated Freight Corridors, Vaishnaw said the recently commissioned infrastructure would provide significant benefits for freight transportation by enabling faster and more efficient movement of goods, adding that work on expanding east-west freight connectivity is also being pursued.      On the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, Vaishnaw said construction on the Vapi-Surat section is targeted by December 2026, with testing and other associated works to follow. He said the first coach of India’s indigenous high-speed train has been prepared and is undergoing various tests, developed as part of the country’s efforts towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and greater indigenisation of high-speed rail technology.   The event was attended by Trikambhai Chhanga, Minister of State, Government of Gujarat; Vinodbhai Chavda, Haribhai Patel, Rajubhai Shukla and Chandubhai Shihora, Members of Parliament, along with other officials and dignitaries.