Dedicated Freight Corridors of India – Beragampengetahuan

The genesis of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project traces back to the Tenth Plan (2002–2007), foreseeing a substantial annual growth of freight traffic by 5%. The mid-term appraisal recommended trunk routes with dedicated freight corridors to separate freight and passenger travel on high-density corridors, enhancing operational efficiency, reducing operating costs, and accommodating larger volumes of freight traffic. Consequently, the DFCs were established along the Golden Quadrilateral in April 2005.

A task force, initiated by the Committee on Infrastructure, was assigned to draft a concept paper for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) and Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). In July 2005, the Ministry of Railways enlisted RITES to conduct a comprehensive feasibility and preliminary engineering cum traffic survey. Recognizing the importance of technological skills, the Indian government sought assistance from Japan, which agreed in November 2005 to conduct a viability study for the DFC project.

RITES presented its feasibility report to the Union Cabinet in February 2006, obtaining in-principle approval. This led to the establishment of The Dedicated Freight Corridors Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) in October 2006, acting as a special-purpose entity for the construction and operation of the DFCs. JICA finalized its feasibility studies of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor by the end of October 2007 and agreed to finance the project. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Railways approached the World Bank for financial assistance for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project. In May 2011, the World Bank approved funding for a 1,183 km section of the EDFC, linking Ludhiana and Mughalsarai.

Construction of the two long routes of the Dedicated Freight Corridor began towards the end of the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2007-2012). These corridors cover a combined distance of 3,260 kilometers. The Eastern dedicated freight corridor spans from Ludhiana in Punjab to Dankuni in West Bengal, while the Western dedicated freight corridor originates from Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai to Dadri in Uttar Pradesh.

Upgrading transport technology, enhancing productivity, and lowering unit transport costs were the primary objectives during the Eleventh Five-Year Plan. This focus aligns with broader economic goals of higher efficiency, reduced logistics expenditures, and increased economic development through improved freight transport systems.