The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) is on track to complete the final segment of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), connecting Vaitarna to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), by October 2025.
This marks a significant milestone in India’s freight infrastructure development, with the entire 1,506 km WDFC expected to be operational ahead of the previously scheduled December 2025 commissioning. The Vaitarna–JNPT stretch, spanning approximately 102.9 km, is the last leg of the WDFC, which runs from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to JNPT in Navi Mumbai. The completion of this segment will establish a direct freight rail link between the Delhi-NCR region and India’s busiest container port, facilitating faster and more efficient movement of goods.
Construction of the Vaitarna–JNPT section has faced several challenges, including high-density urbanisation and environmental concerns in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Despite these hurdles, significant progress has been made. Approximately 225 hectares of land were acquired at a cost of ₹2,600 crore, and nearly 2,960 project-affected families were resettled to make way for the corridor. To mitigate environmental impact, DFCCIL has constructed over 15 km of elevated tracks to protect mangrove areas. Additionally, rail flyovers are being built at Kalamboli, Kopar, and Kharbao to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion. Efforts are also underway to eliminate 20 level crossings, with 13 already removed, and to construct eight road underbridges (RUBs) and five road overbridges (ROBs), with one RUB and five ROBs still under construction.
The Vaitarna–JNPT section includes the construction of 53 major bridges, 242 minor bridges, three yard/station buildings, and 1.17 km of tunnels. The Kundevahal Tunnel, a key component of the project, has been completed, removing a major bottleneck and allowing the final stretch to move ahead unhindered. The corridor also features 239 track kilometers, along with the construction of 10 ROBs and nine RUBs, which will eliminate 20 level crossings, significantly enhancing safety and efficiency.
The completion of the Vaitarna–JNPT stretch will significantly enhance the efficiency of freight transportation in India. The Western DFC is expected to reduce logistics costs, decongest passenger rail networks, and spur the development of new industrial hubs and cargo terminals. Currently, the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) is fully operational, while the Western DFC is 93.2% complete. The completion of the final stretch will bring the total length of the DFC network to 2,843 km, with both corridors handling a significant portion of India’s freight traffic.
The anticipated completion of the Vaitarna–JNPT stretch by October 2025 underscores DFCCIL’s commitment to enhancing India’s freight infrastructure. The project not only aims to improve the efficiency of freight transportation but also contributes to the development of sustainable and eco-friendly logistics solutions. As the final segment nears completion, the WDFC is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming India’s logistics landscape.
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