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Kutch region of Gujarat is considered one of the most prosperous regions of the country in terms of natural resources and industrial potential. About 70 percent of the total limestone produced in India is produced in Kutch, making the region known as the largest limestone belt in the country. The limestone found here is considered to be of the best quality. It is predominantly high grade, with a SiO content of 48-50% and SiO₂ content of 4-6%, indicating high quality standards.
The bentonite clay available in Kutch is also famous throughout the world for its excellent quality. Its mining is mainly done in Abdasa, Mandvi and Lakhpat talukas. The bentonite here is known for its high purity, excellent swelling ability and low salt content. Due to these properties, it is used in many industries including drilling fluids, cosmetics, agriculture, waterproofing, etc. At present, 209 bentonite mines are active in the Kutch region, producing about 60 million tonnes per year, which explains its industrial importance.
Along with industrial production, Kutch region is also very important from the railway point of view. This area under Western Railways is the area providing maximum freight loading. From April 2025 to October 2025, 1.727 million metric tonnes of industrial salt, 1.119 million metric tonnes of edible salt and 10.586 million metric tonnes of container were loaded from here, underlining the industrial potential and logistics importance of Kutch.
Apart from this, the geographical importance of Kutch is also very important. Being located close to the international coastal border, this area is considered extremely sensitive from a strategic point of view. Here the development of a fast, safe and reliable transportation system is extremely important for national security. Construction and upgrading of new rail lines will significantly increase the capacity for deployment of defense forces, transportation of military material and quick response to emergencies. This will further strengthen the country’s strategic power and security system.
These projects will not only connect industrial and mineral-rich areas to the country’s railway network, but will also provide a strong base for both local public amenities and national security.
Extension of Bhuj-Naliya railway line to Viar (24.65 km)
Conversion of Bhuj-Naliya railway line (101.40 km) from meter gauge to broad gauge has been completed. Now the extension of railway line from Naliya to Viyaur (24.65 km) is being done at an estimated cost of Rs 437.18 crore. This proposal is very important from industrial and strategic point of view. Major industries like Sanghi Cement (Sanghipuram) are located near the proposed Viyaur station, adjacent to the proposed project route. At present, the products of this industry are sent to Bhuj by trucks and then transported by rail, as rail facilities are not yet available in this area.
Apart from this, Jaypee Cement is also setting up a large cement manufacturing unit near Viyar station, which is likely to start production soon. This extension of the railway line will provide direct rail connectivity to all these industries, making transportation of raw materials and finished products easier, faster and more cost effective. This will reduce pressure on road traffic, increase logistics efficiency and boost regional economic development.
The extension of Bhuj-Naliya railway line to Viyar will prove to be an important step towards the industrial, economic and strategic development of Kutch region.
Naliya-Jakhau Port (24.88 km) New Broad Gauge Electrified Railway Line
Naliya-Jakhau Port (24.88 km) New broad gauge railway line. This railway line will start from Naliya station of Bhuj-Naliya section and will reach Jakhau port. The objective of this project is to connect Jakhau port with the railway network, thereby increasing the cargo loading capacity of the port and reducing the increasing pressure on major ports like Mundra and Kandla. The port is located in Abdasa taluka of Kutch district and was renovated by the Gujarat Maritime Board in 2001. Jakhau port will become a major center of import and export in future.
The estimated cost of this project is ₹410.46 crore. There is vast land available in this area, which will also increase the possibilities of setting up industrial units, warehouses, service processing and packaging centres. At present, coal, salt, clinker and cement are transported from here by road, which can also be done by rail. The location of Jakhau port is very important from strategic point of view as this port is close to the international coastal border with Pakistan. Jakhau port is 67 kilometers away from the international border. Naliya is an important air force station of the Western Command of the Indian Air Force. With the construction of this railway line, the country will also get a strong communication route from the defense point of view. This will also reduce congestion at Kandla and Mundra ports.
Deshalpur-Hajipir-Luna and Wire-Lakhpat New Broad Gauge Railway Line (144.457 km)
Deshalpar-Hajipir-Luna (81.771 km) and Viar-Lakhpat (62.686 km) are new broad gauge railway line projects, which will have a total length of 145 km. This project has been approved by the Railway Board on September 3, 2025. The cost of this project is ₹2526.47 crore. Under this project, it is proposed to acquire 15 stations, 91 road under bridges, 39 major bridges, 74 minor bridges and 690 hectares of land. 2×25 KV AC power system will be used in this project.
Deshalpar-Hajipir-Luna (81.771 km) Stations:
- Countryman
- Paliwad
- Nakhtrana
- Aral Bada
- bloom
- Hajipir
- luna
Vir-Lakhpat (62.686 km) Station:
- Viaar
- Harudi
- verandah
- Wednesday
- Narayan Sarovar
- Kapurasi
- big knife
- Lakhpat
At present there is no rail connectivity available in this area and the nearest railway station is Bhuj, which is about 75 kilometers away. The construction of this new rail line will provide the people of the area with the option of road transport as well as a safe, affordable and convenient rail service.
The project is of immense industrial importance as the Luna region is one of the major salt producing regions of the country. About 10 million tonnes per year (MTPA) of salt is produced here, which is currently transported by road. With the construction of a new railway line, it will be possible to transport such large quantities of goods by rail. Moreover, the region is rich in minerals like bauxite, lignite and fluorite, mining and transportation of which will provide a new impetus to local employment and industrial development. Additionally, cement and mining industries are already established in the Viar and Lakhpat areas, which is likely to significantly increase freight transportation.