Indian Railways is considering plans for the development of three additional dedicated freight corridors, marking a significant leap in the country’s logistics infrastructure. These corridors aim to accelerate freight movement and alleviate congestion on existing tracks to enhance passenger train services.

Covering a combined distance of 4,300 kilometres, with an estimated project cost of Rs 2,00,000 crore, these corridors will cater to specific commodities and span key regions across the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the DFC network on 12 December 2020, hailing it as a game changer for India in the 21st century and a catalyst for rapid national development.

The DFC project is strategically aligned with the National Rail Plan, which sets a bold objective: to increase the railway’s modal share in India from the existing 28 per cent to an impressive 44 per cent by the year 2051.

Crucially, the DFC is not just a railway project; it’s a linchpin of the National Logistics Policy, aiming to reduce logistics costs from the current 15 per cent of GDP to a more sustainable 8 per cent by 2030.

East Coast Track

The proposed East Coast corridor, stretching approximately 1,200 kilometeres from Kharagpur, West Bengal to Tenali, Andhra Pradesh, aims to optimise freight transport along mineral-rich states such as Bengal and Odisha. Initially intended to terminate at Vizag port, the route extension to Tenali promises enhanced connectivity, particularly benefiting industries dealing with coal, fertilisers, and iron ore.

North-South Corridor

The North-South corridor, spanning 1,000-1,200 kilometres from Itarsi, Madhya Pradesh to Tenali, Andhra Pradesh, is set to bolster connectivity across four states—Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. This corridor will facilitate the transportation of various commodities, including coal, cement, fertilisers, and petroleum products, with future plans to integrate it with existing freight corridors.

East-West Route Proposal

In addition, plans are underway for an East-West corridor linking Andal, West Bengal with Palgarh, Maharashtra, traversing through five states. Spanning approximately 2,100 kilometers, with additional spur lines totaling 300 kilometers, this corridor aims to streamline the transportation of coal, iron ore, steel, and other vital commodities across regions.

All three network alignment reports are currently being prepared by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL) While two reports have been submitted, the third is slated for completion by the end of this month, reports Businessline.

Railway officials emphasised the significance of these corridors in optimising freight movement, enhancing port connectivity, and facilitating economic growth across regions.

Final decisions regarding funding, alignment, and project execution are pending and are subject to further discussions within the Ministry of Railways.

These Dedicated Freight Corridor projects will not only unlock economic potential but also play a critical role in decongesting the already saturated road network. By promoting the shift of freight transport to the more efficient rail transport system, these corridors will significantly reduce congestion on highways.