GMU organises industrial visit to ICD Virochannagar to provide students first-hand industry exposure
GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat Maritime University (GMU) organised an industrial visit to ICD Virochannagar, operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), on 25 August 2026, providing students with valuable first-hand exposure to the functioning of an Inland Container Depot and the wider logistics and supply chain ecosystem.
The visit was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry practices, enabling students to gain practical insights into key aspects of inland logistics operations. During the visit, students observed various activities associated with ICD management, container handling, cargo movement, warehousing and equipment operations, including the use of Reach Stackers for efficient container handling and yard management.
The students also received an overview of the functioning of customs-bonded and domestic warehouse facilities, gaining a better understanding of how cargo is processed, stored and moved through an integrated logistics network. The exposure helped students connect academic concepts related to maritime logistics, supply chain management, customs procedures and cargo operations with their practical implementation at a modern ICD.
The industrial visit was conducted in two batches to facilitate effective interaction and learning. The morning batch was accompanied by Prof. (Dr.) Tanuja Kaushik, Dean, Academic Affairs; Dr. Dharmesh Raval, Director, School of Maritime Management; Mr. Nishant Manjanwal; and Ms. Khushi Pandey, Teaching and Research Associates.
The afternoon batch was accompanied by Dr. Chandra Kant U.; Dr. Mayuri Neve, Assistant Professor; Ms. Simran Pathak; and Mr. V. Harish Kumar, Teaching and Research Associates.
The visit also provided students with an opportunity to interact with industry professionals and understand the operational challenges and best practices involved in managing an ICD. Such direct exposure is particularly valuable in developing a practical understanding of multimodal transportation, container logistics, warehousing, cargo handling and supply chain efficiency.
Gujarat Maritime University expressed its sincere appreciation to Mr. Chinmay Acharya, Terminal Head, ICD Virochannagar; Mr. Darshan Sharma, CEO Office; and the entire ICD Virochannagar team for their warm hospitality, insightful guidance and excellent arrangements throughout the visit.
The initiative reflects Gujarat Maritime University’s continued emphasis on experiential and industry-oriented education. Regular interaction with ports, terminals, logistics companies and other maritime-sector stakeholders enables students to gain practical knowledge, develop professional competencies and better understand the rapidly evolving maritime and logistics landscape.
Such industry-academia engagements play an important role in nurturing industry-ready professionals equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding, while strengthening the connection between academic institutions and India’s growing maritime, logistics and supply chain ecosystem.