Rapid Progress On Dedicated Freight Corridor: Over 90 Per cent Operational, To Expand 138 Km More Soon

Indian Railways has reached a significant milestone in the operationalisation of its Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), with over 90 per cent of the 2,843 km-long network now functional.

Indian Railways has undertaken a mega-infrastructure project of two Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) to facilitate faster evacuation of freight traffic. This development encompasses both the Eastern DFC, stretching 1,337 km, and the Western DFC, covering an extensive 1,506 km, thereby creating a robust and interconnected freight transportation network.

The DFC, which spans the entirety of the eastern arm and 85 per cent of the western arm, facilitates the daily operation of over 300 trains. The project, estimated at Rs 1,24,000 crore, represents a substantial investment in bolstering the nation's freight transportation infrastructure.

Plans are in motion to further optimise operations, aiming to achieve over 95 per cent operational route kilometres by the conclusion of April. Trains utilising these dedicated tracks have demonstrated impressive average speeds ranging from 50 to 60 km per hour, with the potential for further acceleration up to 100 km per hour. This marks a significant improvement compared to the average speeds of goods trains on conventional tracks, which typically range from 20 to 25 km per hour.

An official from the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL) disclosed that 95 per cent of route commissioning is completed, with only a 110 km section on the western arm pending. This remaining segment, along with a recently commissioned 138 km leg, is expected to be operational by the end of April, reports bussinessline.

The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) connects the JNPT port in Mumbai to Dadri in Uttar Pradesh, traversing Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and UP. Operational routes cover significant distances, including Dadri-Sanand (938 km), Makarpura-Gholvad (244 km), and Gholvad-Vaitarna (77 km), with the Sanand-Makarpura segment slated for imminent operationalization.

Delays in completing the Vaitarna to JNPT port section are attributed to weather conditions and contractor-related issues. However, authorities anticipate completion within a year, marking the full operationalisation of the WDFC.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), spanning Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar, is fully operational, accommodating approximately 200 trains daily.

The DFC project is poised to have a profound socio-economic impact. It promises to generate employment opportunities, mitigate regional disparities, and enhance overall transportation services. Furthermore, it serves as a model for other nations seeking to modernise their freight transportation systems with sustainability as a guiding principle.