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. Both facilities are important gateways for India’s trade and logistics network, and the road provides links between port operations, freight destinations and inland markets.

The corridor carries more than 55,000 passenger car units of traffic daily. Heavy vehicles account for a significant share of movement towards the two ports, increasing pressure on the existing road infrastructure and making capacity expansion important for freight movement.

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

The six-laning is intended to reduce travel time by around 20 per cent and lower logistics costs. It is also expected to support trade and industrial activity in Kutch district, where Kandla and Mundra play a significant role in cargo handling and logistics. The upgrade forms part of broader efforts to improve freight corridors linking major ports with inland economic centres and markets.