The Centre has approved Rs. 9.91 bn for widening a 57.8-km stretch of National Highway 41 between Gandhidham, also known as Kandla, and Mundra in Gujarat to six lanes. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the approval on 15 October.

The highway is a key freight route serving Deendayal Port at Kandla and Mundra Port, two important gateways for India’s trade and logistics network. The corridor handles more than 55,000 passenger car units (PCUs) of traffic daily, with heavy vehicles accounting for a substantial share of movements towards the ports.

The project includes a new flyover and vehicle underpasses, reconstruction of major and minor bridges, and safety improvements at identified accident-prone locations. The widening will be carried out within the existing right of way, according to the minister’s announcement.

Gadkari said the six-laning would reduce travel time by around 20 per cent and lower logistics costs. The upgraded route is expected to support trade and industrial activity in Kutch district, where the Kandla and Mundra ports play a significant role in cargo movement and logistics.

Improved road connectivity could strengthen links between port facilities, freight destinations and markets. The project is intended to improve the movement of goods along a heavily used industrial and logistics corridor while addressing safety and capacity constraints on the existing highway.