The development of rail in Gandhidham area starts from pages of history since 1902. In Kutch State 15 miles railway line was laid between Anjar-Tuna in this year and in 1905 railway line between Anjar and Bhuj for a distance of 25 miles was introduced. Maharao of Kutch has visualized the importance of Raiways and connectivity of important harbours of this area. The Kutch State was always remained entry gate for the traders coming from Gulf and Africa. Sea route through Kutch was very popular since ancient times Mandvi, Mundra, Jakhau, Tuna & Koteshwar were the important harbors in the ancient period.
After partition of India in 1947, there was urgent need of major port to take the place of Karachi and ease the pressure on Bombay port. The West Coast major Port development committee has recommended to setting up a major port at Kandla. Kandla Port was opened as major port in 1955 and after that development of network in Kutch area changing from M.G. to B.G. with up-coming of Gujarat Adani Port Ltd. which is now known as MPSEZ Ltd. The entire scenario has re-casted in Gandhidham area. Kandla Port and Mundra Port are presently serving as major source of import and important commodities like Fertilizer, Coal. This product requires to be evacuated from the Port with the help of Indian Railways.
Kandla Port:-
Kandla Port, situated on Western coast of India is the No. 1 major Port of the country which has handled 81 MMT cargo in 2010-11. Main hinterland of Kandla Port is Northern India. Kandla Port worked as catalyst to cater the need of Northern India after loss of Karachi in 1947. Rail connectivity was considered very crucial in the transportation of cargo from the port hence Kandla port was connected with rail. Initially it was connected on M.G. but as the concept of uni gauge evolved B.G. connectivity to Kandla was started in 1971. Further, Kandla-Palanpur section was converted in to B.G. in 2006