New Salt Container Service Eases Transport from Kutch to Mithapur

Ahmedabad, October 24: Indian Railways has taken a first-of-its-kind step with the launch of India's first dedicated salt container train. The service runs between the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal in Kutch and Mithapur.

The new system is designed to protect the quality of salt during transport. It also aims to raise loading capacity for the salt industry and bring down logistics costs.

Salt shipments from Kutch in Gujarat can now reach distant parts of the country far more conveniently than before.

The service was inaugurated on September 15, when India's first salt container train set off from the Shivlakha Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal in Kutch towards Mithapur.

The transport system uses specially built, light containers made of stainless steel. They are filled with salt from above and emptied from the side.

Stainless steel containers help maintain an optimal ratio between the container's weight and the salt it carries, which makes it possible to transport larger volumes of salt.

Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi lauded the project as a 'transformative step' in salt transportation. He shared pictures of the train going to Mithapur on the social media platform X.

Writing in a post, the Deputy Chief Minister said: "Look at how things are changing! India's first special salt container train between Shivlakha and Mithapur in Kutch ensures better salt quality, greater loading capacity and efficient, weather-safe transport."

The stainless steel structure of these special containers keeps salt safe from rain and moisture during transit. This new transport choice has given a notable boost to the region's salt sector.

The salt container train service not only resolves old challenges in salt movement but also lowers logistics costs, creating economic benefits for those in the industry.

Overall, this new salt transport system is proving effective in reducing issues related to loading, unloading and handling of salt.