The Ministry of Railways has undertaken the construction of two Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs): the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) stretching from Ludhiana to Sonnagar (1337 Km) and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) extending from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Terminal (JNPT) to Dadri (1506 Km). The construction of EDFC has been completed, while 1220 Km out of 1506 Km of WDFC has been finished, with train operations underway in the completed sections.
Logistics costs
These Dedicated Freight Corridors are expected to significantly reduce logistic costs through the utilisation of higher axle load trains and Double Stack Container trains (DSC), facilitating faster access to Northern hinterlands via Western Ports. Additionally, they are anticipated to spur the development of new industrial hubs and Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals.
To ensure the timely completion of these corridors, the government has proactively allocated funds and closely monitored land acquisition activities in coordination with State Governments. This oversight is conducted through various forums, including the Project Monitoring Group (PMG).
Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronic & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, provided this information in response to a question in Rajya Sabha.