India’s Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project is nearing completion, with 80% of the work already done. The Railways aim to finish the project by June 2024. The project, which was initiated 18 years ago, has gained momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Once fully operational, the Dedicated Freight Corridor will bring significant benefits to India. Currently, freight trains have to wait for passenger trains on common rail lines, causing delays and inefficiencies. This situation is not ideal for a fast-growing economy like India, which aspires to become an industrial superpower.
One of the major advantages of the DFC is the reduction in travel time. Currently, it takes three days for freight trains to travel from Mumbai to Delhi. However, once all sections of the DFC are completed, this duration will be reduced to just 48 hours. In addition, 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 running on the newly-commissioned sections of the eastern segment of the corridor. On average, around 140 trains operate on the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) every day. 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 Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) is working on detailed plans to establish railway corridors throughout the country.
The DFC spans nine states, covers 77 districts, and involves approximately 11,000 hectares of land acquisition. The project faced delays due to land acquisition issues and cost overruns since it was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2006.
A recent study by the Railway Board highlighted the crucial role of the DFC in meeting India’s power demands. The DFC can facilitate the transportation of coal from mines to power stations across the country. Rail-based freight movement is a more environmentally friendly option compared to container trucks.
Moreover, the DFC will also reduce travel time for passenger trains and alleviate traffic congestion on passenger rail routes. This is a significant benefit, considering the increasing demand for passenger travel in India.
To further streamline logistics and reduce costs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the National Logistics Policy last year. The goal is to reduce the cost of transporting Indian goods domestically and internationally by half by 2030. Rail transport will play a crucial role in achieving this target.
According to the National Rail Plan (NRP) 2020, the aim is to increase the modal share of rail in the logistics market to 40%-45% and transport 3,600 million tonnes of cargo by 2030-31. Rail freight costs the least at Rs 1.6 per tonne kilometer, making it one of the most cost-effective modes of transportation for goods and commodities.
In the financial year 2022-23, Indian Railways recorded its best-ever performance in terms of freight loading, with an originating freight of 1512 million tonnes.
The DFC project is a significant step towards transforming India’s freight transportation system and boosting the country’s economy. Its completion will bring numerous benefits, including reduced travel time, improved efficiency, and enhanced connectivity. The successful implementation of the DFC will secure India’s position as a global industrial powerhouse.
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