In recent developments, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL) has launched commercial trial runs on a 300km line extending from Rewari in Haryana to Madar in Rajasthan. As the first section to be opened along the still under-construction western freight corridor, this move represents a significant step forward for the Indian rail network.
The Scope of the Western Freight Corridor Project
The Western Freight Corridor measures a total length of 1,504 km. This corridor commences at Dadri in Uttar Pradesh and extends all the way to the country’s largest container port — the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust located in proximity to Mumbai. The corridor covers five different states during its course – Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Belonging under the umbrella of the Ministry of Railways, the DFCCIL is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that holds the responsibility of planning and overseeing the completion of two major projects – the Western Freight Corridor and the Eastern Freight Corridor. The cumulative length of these projects is an impressive 3,306 km.
Financial Aspects of the Freight Corridor Projects
As estimated currently, the total expenditure for these projects amounts to over ₹81,000 crore. Significant funding by the Indian Government, this is a clear indication of their commitment towards improving the transportation and logistics sector of the country.
| Project | Length | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Western Freight Corridor | 1504 km | ₹81,000 crore |
| Eastern Freight Corridor | 1806 km | Not Disclosed |
The Purpose of the Dedicated Freight Corridor
The primary function of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) will be to facilitate the transportation of freight or goods. It is designed so as not to accommodate any passenger trains. In addition to increasing the volume of goods transported, the construction of the Western DFC will also help to alleviate congestion on existing routes. Consequently, this measure will substantially improve the punctuality and efficiency of passenger trains.
Effect on Indian Railways
Indian Railways are set to witness a significant transformation with the completion of these projects. By segregating freight transport from passenger traffic, these corridors will free up existing capacity for passenger trains, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the Indian railway network. The construction of these corridors is thereby seen as pivotal in solving issues related to train delays due to freight movement and in improving consumer satisfaction.
