Western freight corridor may start operations from Oct, three months ahead of schedule

By Admin

06 May, 2025

In a promising development for India’s logistics and infrastructure landscape, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) is set to complete the final stretch of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) by October 2025, ahead of its original commissioning date of December 2025. This significant milestone marks the nearing completion of the 2843-kilometer-long Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project, with the Vaitarna to JNPT stretch being the last leg under construction.

Progress in Maharashtra

The momentum picked up on April 27, when DFCCIL conducted a speed trial run on the 75-km double line section between New Umbergaon Road and New Saphale in Maharashtra. This trial marks the beginning of DFC operations in the state. An official from DFCCIL stated, “This line is fully ready with track, overhead equipment (OHE), and signalling and telecommunication systems. It will become operational after final clearance from the Railway Board.”

Additionally, land acquisition for the remaining 32 km stretch has been completed, and track-linking work is currently underway. While the WDFC was originally slated for completion by March 2025, execution challenges had earlier pushed the schedule to December 2025. Now, it appears that operations may begin even sooner, despite possible hurdles during the upcoming monsoon season.

Strategic Importance of DFCs

The DFC project is not just about faster trains—it’s about transforming India’s freight movement. While the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) was fully commissioned in 2024, the WDFC will significantly boost freight capacity and logistics efficiency. Despite representing only 4% of the total Indian Railways network, the DFCs already carry 14% of the country’s freight load. Moreover, trains on DFCs run at an average speed of 55-60 kmph, more than double the current 18-20 kmph speed on regular railways.

Economic and Operational Impact

The two corridors—Eastern and Western—are already proving to be profitable revenue streams for Indian Railways, especially at a time when losses in the passenger segment continue to burden the system. According to DFCCIL Managing Director Praveen Kumar, the total cost of constructing the two freight corridors stands at ₹1.24 lakh crore, with a financial rate of return of 9%.

The WDFC primarily handles container traffic, in addition to imported coal, fertilisers, and foodgrains, while the EDFC plays a critical role in connecting coal-rich eastern India to power plants in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

A Step Closer to Logistics Revolution

As India strengthens its commitment to modernizing freight infrastructure, the early completion of the Western DFC represents a major stride forward. With improved turnaround times, reduced congestion, and lower logistics costs, the DFCs are laying the groundwork for efficient, future-ready freight transport—positioning India as a competitive force in global trade logistics.