Construction Of Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor Fully Completed in 2023! Know all Details..

Table of Contents

Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor Fully Completed in 2023!

Introduction

Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor Fully Completed in 2023: In a significant achievement, the Ministry of Railways has successfully completed the construction of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC). Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are specialized railway corridors designed exclusively for the efficient transportation of freight, goods, and commodities. The completion of EDFC marks a milestone in India’s efforts to enhance logistics, connectivity, and overall economic growth.

The Purpose of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs)

Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) address critical challenges in the existing railway infrastructure. The Golden quadrilateral, connecting major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Howrah, along with its diagonals, has been operating at high capacity utilization, leading to congestion and delays. These corridors, constituting only 16% of the railway route, carry over 52% of passenger traffic and 58% of revenue-earning freight traffic.

Over the years, the share of Indian Railways in freight traffic dwindled from 88% in 1950-51 to 26% in 2021-22. To counter this trend, DFCs have been conceptualized to enhance capacity, reduce logistics costs, and improve the safety and speed of freight movement.

Understanding EDFC and WDFC

Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC)

• • Stretch: Ludhiana in Punjab to Sonnagar in Bihar (1337 km).
  • Construction Timeline: Commenced in 2014 and completed in 2023.
  • Composition: Two segments – an electrified double-track segment of 1409 km from Dankuni (West Bengal) to Khurja (Uttar Pradesh) and an electrified single-track segment of 447 km from Ludhiana (Dhandarikalan) to Khurja to Dadri in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Stations: EDFC features 21 stations along its route.
  • Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor Fully Completed in 2023, PIB Press Release..

Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC)

• • • Stretch: Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Mumbai (1506 km).
    • Completion Status: 78% completion.
    • Stations: WDFC incorporates 25 stations along its route.

Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) Route Map

Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) Route Map

Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs)

In addition to DFCs, the Ministry of Railways has introduced Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs). These terminals are multimodal logistics facilities that efficiently handle rail cargo alongside other modes of transportation such as road or water transport. Unlike traditional approaches, GCTs are being developed by private entities with minimal government intervention.

To date, 15 GCTs have been commissioned, and approximately 96 locations have been provisionally identified for GCT development. The ambitious plan aims to commission 100 GCTs within the next three financial years (2022-23).

Benefits of DFCs and GCTs

1. Economic Growth and Development:
   • DFCs and GCTs are integral to India’s vision of becoming a global leader in the logistics sector.
   • They facilitate faster movement of goods from major ports and industrial hubs to hinterland areas, promoting economic growth.
2. Employment Opportunities:
   • These initiatives generate employment opportunities across various sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and mining.
3. Investment Attraction:
   • By streamlining logistics and transportation, DFCs and GCTs attract investments, contributing to the overall development of India’s infrastructure.
4. Seamless Integration:
   • GCTs provide seamless integration of rail transport with other modes, allowing customers to choose transportation modes based on cost-effectiveness and convenience.
5. Reduced Congestion:
   • GCTs help reduce congestion at railway stations, enhancing overall efficiency and improving passenger amenities.

Conclusion

The completion of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor is a testament to India’s commitment to modernize its transportation infrastructure. With the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor nearing completion and the introduction of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals, the country is poised for a transformative shift in the logistics landscape. These initiatives align with the vision of making India a global logistics hub, fostering economic development, and creating a robust foundation for future growth.

You can also read:

1. Mumbai Coastal Road Update: Marine Drive-Worli Stretch Opening Soon!
2. Ethanol Blending News: Stop Producing Ethanol From Sugarcane Juice, Govt Directs to All Sugar Mills!
3. Want to Link Aadhaar Card with Voter ID? Process Is Yet to Begin, As Per Govt. Read Details..
4. Umrah Visa From India: Visa Rules Eased! Include Extension of the Umrah Visa to 90 days!