In a significant accomplishment, the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) has reached a momentous milestone, as officially declared by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) on October 13, 2023. This monumental achievement saw the inauguration of the first electric traction-powered freight train journeying from New Sahnewal in Ludhiana to New Khurja via New Khatauli station in Uttar Pradesh, covering an impressive 401-kilometer stretch on October 11, 2023.
The EDFC, a critical infrastructure project, comes with an investment of ₹51,000 crore out of the revised total budget of ₹1.24 lakh crore allocated for both the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (WDFC). Mr. R.K. Jain, the Managing Director of DFCCIL, confirmed this financial detail. The revised cost for the WDFC segment stands at ₹72,000 crore.
DFCCIL has successfully concluded the EDFC’s construction from Ludhiana to Sonnagar in Bihar, covering a staggering 1,337 kilometers. However, the proposed extension of an additional 538 kilometers to Dankuni in West Bengal via Gomoh and Andal will not be undertaken by DFCCIL. The Ministry of Railways is reportedly exploring alternative solutions for this expansion.
Currently, 83.8% of the entire 2,843-kilometer project has been commissioned. The most challenging section remains the last leg, stretching from Khurja to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust. An approximately 100-kilometer portion from Vaitarna to JNPT in Maharashtra is experiencing delays, primarily attributed to Tata Projects.
A noteworthy advantage of the EDFC’s completion is the increased efficiency in freight transport. With speed enhancements that allow trains to reach 50-60 kmph, compared to the initial 20-25 kmph, trains can now cover 400-500 kilometers during an eight-hour shift, resulting in substantial time savings of 18 to 20 hours on end-to-end routes, as elucidated by Mr. Jain.
This monumental achievement in India’s transportation infrastructure marks a pivotal moment in enhancing the nation’s connectivity and economic growth.
