The state government has initiated land acquisition for the Inland Container Depot (ICD) and Gatishakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) in Sanand, Ahmedabad.
A notification issued by the Revenue Department on April 15 confirms that 14.25 hectares of land in Naranpura village of Sanand taluka have been earmarked for the strategic project, aligning with India’s push towards integrated, sustainable, and carbon-efficient transport networks. This development marks a critical step in the state’s ambition to position itself as a high-capacity logistics hub, especially through projects that integrate land and rail connectivity. Inland Container Depots or dry ports play a vital role in bridging seaports with inland trade zones. Unlike conventional seaports, ICDs decentralise cargo movement, offering container storage, customs clearance, and multimodal transfer facilities closer to manufacturing and consumption centres. The proposed Sanand ICD is expected to enhance trade efficiency while easing congestion at coastal ports.
The planned terminal will also function under the national Gatishakti framework, an ambitious infrastructure masterplan launched to streamline cargo movement by enabling intermodal logistics. These terminals are designed to reduce transit delays and operational redundancies, promoting environmentally sound practices by cutting down fossil fuel usage and shifting freight from road to rail where feasible. The Sanand terminal could emerge as a green logistics model if integrated with electrified rail corridors, low-emission vehicles, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Importantly, the notification also notes that 1.40 hectares of land under four specific survey numbers have been excluded from acquisition signalling a calibrated and transparent planning process. The administration has appointed local officers to oversee rehabilitation and resettlement measures, suggesting attention to the socio-economic footprint of the project. However, local stakeholders and environmental experts stress the importance of ensuring that resettlement processes are inclusive, climate-resilient, and gender-neutral, echoing the growing demand for equitable urban growth.
As cities and states race to become logistics powerhouses, the Sanand ICD and GCT project reflects a broader national strategy boosting industrial corridors while keeping sustainability and efficiency at the core. While the infrastructure promise is significant, the real challenge lies in its implementation: minimising ecological disruption, maximising local employment, and ensuring last-mile green connectivity. If executed with a long-term climate-first vision, Sanand’s logistics terminal could set a precedent for dry ports across India catalysing both economic activity and environmental responsibility in a region poised for rapid industrial expansion.
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