The Prime Minister of India recently unveiled a section, extending 351-km, of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) as well as an Operation Control Centre (OCC). These are situated between Bhaupur and Khurja in Uttar Pradesh. This momentous occasion is part of a larger venture, boasting 1,839 km, known as the EDFC. The project, which was initiated in 2006, holds the distinction of being the most substantial rail infrastructure initiative in independent India.
Dedicated Freight Corridor: A High-Speed, High-Capacity Rail Network
The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) is specifically designed to transport goods and commodities at high speeds with high capacity. The DFC brings together advanced technology and superior infrastructure in a perfect amalgamation to streamline freight transport.
The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor: From Punjab to West Bengal
The EDFC begins its journey at Sahnewal (Ludhiana), located in Punjab, and terminates at Dankuni in West Bengal. This corridor traverses through coal mines, thermal power plants and industrial hubs. Additional feeder routes are also in development. This route encompasses regions from six states; Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The World Bank is responsible for the lion’s share of funding of the EDFC.
The inaugurated ‘New Bhaupur-New Khurja section’ measuring 351-km, is anticipated to alleviate congestion on the main Kanpur-Delhi railway line and improve the speed of freight trains from 25 kmph to 75 kmph.
Western Dedicated Freight Corridor: Connecting Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai
The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), covering roughly 1,500-km, runs from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust. The WDFC covers five states; Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, touching significant ports along the path. Notably, the Japan International Cooperation Agency has stepped front to fund this ambitious project.
A connecting link between the Eastern and Western arms, stretching between Dadri and Khurja, is currently under construction. Additionally, two industrial corridors, Delhi-Mumbai and Amritsar-Kolkata, are being developed around these DFCs.
Significance and Advantages of the Dedicated Freight Corridor
The DFC proposal is not merely transformative but also lucrative for the transportation sector. It will, indeed, expand the capacity on trunk routes of Indian Railways as goods trains would be able to run uninhibited on the DFC, undisturbed by the movement of passenger trains.
Around 70% of the freight trains currently utilising the Indian Railway network will make a shift to these corridors, freeing up space for the operation of more passenger trains. Tracks on these corridors are designed to bear heavier loads than most of Indian Railways. The DFC will not only levy track access charges from Indian Railways but will also generate its own freight business.
This move will consequently spur punctuality, as more passenger trains can be introduced on the Indian Railway main line leading to improved time performance.
Numerous Benefits: From Logistics Costs to Employment Generation
By its very nature, the DFC will result in lower logistics costs and energy efficiency. As goods will move faster, it will prove to be friendly for the environment. The overall process of conducting business will become smoother due to this development, and more jobs will be generated contributing to the economy.
Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd
The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL) is a special purpose vehicle formed under the Ministry of Railways. It is tasked with planning and completing the mammoth 3,306 km DFCs project. This Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) has its headquarters in New Delhi and is responsible for the planning, development, allocation of financial resources, construction, maintenance, and operation of the DFCs.
Last Modified: February 9, 2024