First Salt Cargo Train Boosts Freight Growth And Industry Connectivity
In a move set to bolster regional trade and reduce freight-related emissions, Indian Railways has launched its first industrial salt-loaded rake from Sanosara in the Bhuj–Naliya section to Dahej. The inaugural cargo service carried 3,851.2 tonnes of industrial salt, covering 673.57 kilometres, and is projected to generate ₹31.69 lakh in freight revenue for the Ahmedabad Division.
Railway officials hailed the dispatch as a milestone for the Sanosara Goods Shed, describing it as a strategic step towards opening new market access for the salt industry in the Kutch region. The shift from road to rail for large-scale salt transport is expected to lower carbon emissions, improve turnaround times, and enhance the competitiveness of the industry in national and international markets.Industry experts point out that Kutch’s salt production capacity has long been underutilised due to logistical bottlenecks. The dedicated rake service to Dahej an important industrial and port hub offers a more sustainable supply chain model, ensuring faster delivery to processing units and exporters.
Officials emphasised that the achievement reflects Indian Railways’ broader freight strategy of tapping into industrial clusters and offering customised logistical solutions. By enabling direct bulk transportation from production centres to industrial hubs, the railways aim to cut dependence on trucking, which not only congests highways but also generates higher emissions.The introduction of this service aligns with national goals for greener logistics. Rail transport emits significantly less carbon dioxide per tonne-kilometre compared to road haulage, making it a crucial element in India’s transition to a low-carbon economy. This move also supports equitable regional development by integrating smaller industrial zones into the national freight network.
While the Sanosara–Dahej salt rake is expected to run regularly, railway authorities are also exploring ways to expand freight services for other bulk commodities from the Bhuj–Naliya region. Plans include enhanced loading infrastructure, energy-efficient locomotives, and digital tracking systems to improve reliability and transparency for shippers.In parallel to freight advancements, preparations are under way for the inauguration of multiple Vande Bharat Express services aimed at improving passenger connectivity across industrial, religious, and technology hubs. Officials said such integrated freight and passenger developments underscore Indian Railways’ role as both an economic catalyst and a driver of sustainable mobility.The launch of the first industrial salt rake from Sanosara signals more than just a logistical success; it reflects a shift in how regional industries can leverage sustainable rail solutions to expand market reach. For the salt producers of Kutch, the journey to Dahej by rail is not only faster and cleaner but also symbolic of a new chapter in the region’s economic integration with India’s industrial heartlands.
