India’s dedicated freight corridors are redefining the landscape of rail logistics with remarkable growth. The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), completed in February 2024, now handles up to 250 trains daily, significantly improving coal transportation to power plants in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.
In April 2024, the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) reached 93% operational capacity with the opening of the Sanand-Makarpura and Makarpura-Gholvad sections. The final section, connecting Gholvad to the JNPT port, is still under construction.
These infrastructures are critical for reducing logistics costs, currently estimated at 13-15% of India’s GDP, with a target to bring it down to 8%. They also enable the operation of longer, double-stacked trains, increasing network capacity and efficiency.
To further bolster these advancements, the Indian government has approved new freight rail projects worth ₹77.9 billion. These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity, reduce carbon emissions, and support economic growth while achieving ambitious environmental goals.
These corridors highlight India’s commitment to modernizing its rail infrastructure and establishing itself as a model for sustainable and efficient freight transportation.
