The Centre has approved Rs. 9.91 bn for widening a 57.8 km section 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 major freight route serving Deendayal Port at Kandla and Mundra Port. Both facilities are important gateways for India’s trade and logistics network, making the corridor significant for the movement of cargo between port facilities, industrial areas and markets.

The section carries more than 55,000 passenger car units of traffic each day, with heavy vehicles accounting for a substantial share of movement towards the two ports. The widening is intended to improve capacity on a route that supports cargo operations and industrial activity in Kutch district.

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

Gadkari said the six-laning was expected to reduce travel time by around 20 per cent and lower logistics costs. The upgraded corridor could strengthen connections between the ports, freight destinations and markets, while supporting trade and industrial activity in the region. The approval covers the highway improvement package, but the announcement did not provide a construction schedule or completion target.