India’s Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) is nearing completion and is expected to be fully operational by June 2024. The project, which began 18 years ago, has gained momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Once completed, the DFC will revolutionize freight transportation in India as it will eliminate the need for freight trains to wait for passenger trains on common rail lines.
Currently, it takes three days for freight trains to travel from Mumbai to Delhi. However, with the completion of all sections of the DFC, this duration will be reduced to just 48 hours. Additionally, the average speed of freight trains will increase from 20-25 km per hour to 60 km per hour.
Last week, the DFC achieved a significant milestone with 154 trains carrying various commodities running on the newly-commissioned sections of the eastern segment of the corridor. On a typical day, around 140 trains operate on the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC). The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), which runs parallel to the Western arm of the Golden Quadrilateral road project, is the other half of this ambitious project.
The ultimate goal of the DFC is to connect the EDFC and WDFC with coastal freight corridors in central and southern India. The Indian Railways’ special purpose vehicle, DFCCIL, is currently working on projects to connect the entire country with these railway corridors.
Covering nine states and spanning 77 districts, the DFC has involved the acquisition of approximately 11,000 hectares of land. Despite facing delays and cost overruns due to land acquisition issues, the project has persevered.
A recent study by the Railway Board highlights the vital role the DFC can play in meeting India’s growing power demands, particularly in the transportation of coal from mines to power stations. Rail-based freight movement is considered a more environmentally-friendly option compared to container trucks.
In addition to its impact on the power sector, the DFC will significantly reduce travel time and alleviate traffic congestion on passenger rail routes. It aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision outlined in ‘The National Logistics Policy’ to cut transportation costs by half by 2030.
The National Rail Plan (NRP) 2020 aims to increase the modal share of rail to 40%-45% of the logistics market and move 3,600 million tonnes (MT) of cargo by 2030-31. Rail freight costs only Rs 1.6 per tonne kilometer, making it one of the most cost-effective modes of transportation.
Indian Railways recorded its best-ever performance in the freight business in FY 2022-23, with an originating freight loading of 1512 MT.
The completion of the Dedicated Freight Corridor will bring significant benefits to India’s economy, improving efficiency and reducing transportation costs. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to modernize and strengthen the country’s infrastructure for the benefit of industries and the population as a whole.
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