Dedicated freight corridor project edges closer to completion

By Admin

14 Jul, 2025

India is on the verge of transforming its freight movement landscape as the ambitious Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project nears full completion. This massive ₹1.25-lakh-crore infrastructure push is not just a leap in transportation efficiency, but also a strategic shift toward a greener and cost-effective logistics system.

Boosting Freight Efficiency

The DFC, split into the Eastern Corridor (1,875 km) and the Western Corridor (1,506 km), spans a total of 3,300 km of electrified, double-line tracks. The Eastern DFC, which primarily handles coal transport from Ludhiana (Punjab) to Son Nagar (Bihar), is already operational. Meanwhile, the Western DFC   carrying mostly container and cement cargo between Haryana and Maharashtra   is nearing its final milestone, with just a 110-km stretch pending completion, expected by December.

A Game-Changer for Indian Railways

Designed to accommodate freight trains running at 100 kmph, twice the current average speed of Indian Railways’ freight trains, the DFC significantly cuts down logistics costs, carbon emissions, and passenger route congestion. Already, trains are averaging 50 kmph on operational DFC segments a figure expected to rise as more modern rolling stock is introduced.

The freight corridors are currently operating at 85% capacity utilization, and with full commissioning, this number is projected to soar to 96–99% by mid-2026. Together, both corridors will be capable of handling 480 freight trains daily   240 in each direction   reinforcing India’s freight backbone across key industrial and consumption regions.

Planning the Next Phase

Riding on the success of the twin corridors, the Indian government has already received Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for three more corridors:

• East Coast Corridor (Paradip to Vijayawada)
  
  

• East–West Corridor (Kharagpur to Mumbai)
  
  

• North–South Corridor (Delhi to Chennai)
  
  

The estimated investment for these new corridors is a whopping ₹4 lakh crore, with the East Coast corridor expected to take priority.

Tech-Driven & Sustainable Future

In line with India’s Gati Shakti National Master Plan, DFCCIL is also investing in multimodal logistics hubs, like the Sanand logistics park in Gujarat, slated for launch by end of July. Around 150 cargo terminals are under development, with private logistics players encouraged to invest and integrate into the corridor network.

To enhance operational safety, DFCCIL has partnered with Indian Railways to implement an advanced Machine Vision-Based Inspection System (MVIS). These AI/ML-powered systems will scan the undercarriage of moving trains to detect faults and generate real-time alerts   drastically reducing the need for manual inspections.

Strengthening Financial Backbone

With most of the funding sourced from the World Bank and other multilateral agencies, DFCCIL is evaluating refinancing options for part of its debt, particularly through the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC). This move could pave the way for more flexible financial management in future phases.

Additionally, the Railways’ decision to open up corridor maintenance to both public and private players may allow DFCCIL to bid for new infrastructure projects and expand services   such as parcel express trains to underserved regions like Palanpur.

Conclusion

The Dedicated Freight Corridor is not just a logistical initiative; it's a strategic overhaul of India’s freight transport system. By enabling faster movement, reducing costs, cutting emissions, and encouraging private sector participation, it positions India to handle the freight demands of a rapidly growing economy with unmatched efficiency and sustainability.