GCCI President Teja Kangad congratulated Rahul Modi, Chairman of the Indian Maritime Centre and Member of the National Shipping Board, on his appointment and highlighted key priorities for the region’s maritime development. Modi expressed his commitment to taking forward the region’s concerns and development priorities through coordination with the Chamber and representation at the national policy level.     Kangad said Kutch’s strategic geographical location, internationally significant ports, industrial potential and connectivity to major markets in North India provide a strong foundation for its emergence as a major maritime gateway. Established in 1953, GCCI has played an active role in promoting trade, industry and regional development while representing industry concerns relating to port infrastructure, transportation, trade facilitation and policy matters.     He emphasised that stronger institutional collaboration is increasingly important amid changing global trade dynamics and growing competition in shipping, transportation and logistics. The involvement of the IMC would help align Kutch’s maritime capabilities with national development priorities and improve the region’s competitiveness.     GCCI Honorary Secretary Mahesh Tirthani highlighted coastal shipping, port-based industrialisation and improved road and rail connectivity as critical drivers of economic growth. He called for the development of coastal shipping services connecting ports on India’s western and eastern coasts, alongside an investment-friendly ecosystem for emerging sectors such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, ship repair, warehousing and other port-based industries.     He also stressed the need to strengthen connectivity with North Indian markets through dedicated freight corridors, integrated rail-road networks and logistics parks. GCCI reaffirmed its commitment to raising genuine industry concerns with the relevant ministries and policymakers while facilitating closer coordination between government institutions and industry stakeholders.     Responding to the Chamber’s proposals, Modi acknowledged GCCI’s contribution over the past 73 years to the development of Kandla Port and the trade and industry of Kutch. He assured the Chamber that the region’s concerns, suggestions and developmental priorities would receive due attention in national-level policy discussions.     Modi underscored the importance of expanding coastal shipping links between Kandla and Mundra and ports on both the western and eastern coasts. He also highlighted opportunities to attract investment in green hydrogen, green ammonia, ship repair, warehousing and port-based industries, while strengthening the region’s connections to North Indian markets through dedicated freight corridors, improved rail-road infrastructure and logistics parks.     He further reiterated his commitment to presenting the region’s trade and industrial concerns before the concerned ministries and policymakers, with the aim of supporting infrastructure development and creating new opportunities for maritime and logistics businesses.     GCCI has invited Modi to visit Chamber Bhavan in Gandhidham for an interaction with representatives of trade and industry. The proposed meeting is expected to provide a platform for shipping companies, transporters, logistics service providers, exporters, importers and industrial representatives to discuss regional priorities, investment opportunities and measures to improve maritime connectivity.    

The proposed collaboration is expected to strengthen industry-institution engagement, support port capacity expansion, attract fresh investments, facilitate trade and generate employment, while advancing Kandla-Kutch’s ambition to become a globally competitive maritime and logistics hub.