India’s Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project is expected to be ready by 2024, with over 80 percent of the work finished. Once fully operational, it  promises to be a game-changer for the rapidly growing economy. Currently, freight trains often share rail lines with passenger trains, leading to delays and inefficiencies. The DFC aims to separate freight and passenger traffic.
A prime example of the benefits the DFC will bring is the reduction in travel time between major cities. For instance, freight trains traveling from Mumbai to Delhi take three days to reach their destination. With the DFC in place, this journey will be slashed to just 48 hours. The average speed of freight trains, currently at 20 to 25 km per hour, will increase to 60 km per hour.
Recent milestones achieved by the DFC include the operation of 154 trains on newly-commissioned sections of the eastern segment of the corridor. These trains transported a wide range of goods, including coal, steel, iron and food grains. The DFC encompasses two major segments: the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC).
Reducing logistics costs is another crucial goal of the DFC. As Dedicated Freight Corridor nears completion, it represents a transformative milestone in the country’s transportation infrastructure, enhancing efficiency and driving economic growth.
