As the final stretch of the 1,506-km Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Terminal) in Navi Mumbai inches toward completion, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) is shifting its focus to upcoming corridors.
Speaking on Friday at the Global Heavy Haul Seminar 2025 held at Bharat Mandapam, DFCCIL Managing Director Praveen Kumar confirmed that the East-Coast freight corridor is now the top priority. Although, for approval among the three proposed corridors awaiting government clearance.
Last leg of WDFC ready by December
“The WDFC’s last segment — Vaitarna to JNPT — will be commissioned by December 2025,” Kumar said. Once this section is operational, the full stretch of the Western corridor will be functional. However, it is expected to significantly enhance freight movement from the northern hinterlands to the west coast ports, cutting transit time and reducing logistics costs.
This development follows the successful commissioning of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC). Which connects Ludhiana in Punjab to Dankuni in West Bengal.
East-Coast freight corridor gains momentum
Of the three proposed new corridors — East-Coast, East-West, and North-South — the East-Coast corridor. Stretching from Kharagpur in West Bengal to Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. Further, is the most likely to get immediate approval.
DFCCIL has submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for all three corridors to the Ministry of Railways. “We have completed the groundwork. Now, we await the government’s nod, and our priority remains the East-Coast line,” Kumar told reporters.
This corridor is expected to boost freight efficiency along India’s eastern coastline and support the growing demand from ports and industrial hubs in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
Gati Shakti terminals to expand
The DFCCIL MD also emphasized the importance of expanding the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals (MMCTs). These terminals are integral to the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims to create a unified and seamless multimodal logistics network across India.
“We are planning more MMCTs along the new corridors to ensure cargo flexibility and faster turnaround,” Kumar added. These terminals will support multiple modes of transport including road, rail, and waterways. Additionally, creating end-to-end connectivity for industries.
Boost to logistics and economy
With the planned corridors and terminal developments, the freight rail infrastructure is poised for a major upgrade. The new lines are expected to decongest passenger rail routes and ensure the timely movement of goods.
Industry experts at the seminar noted that the DFCCIL’s initiatives will play a vital role in reducing logistics costs, improving supply chain efficiency, and contributing to India’s $5 trillion economy goal.
Ministry yet to announce timeline
While the railway ministry has not yet officially approved the East-Coast corridor, sources indicate that the proposal is being reviewed at the highest level. Also, with budgetary considerations underway. Also, the expected cost of the corridor is around ₹40,000 crore.
Once approved, the project will be implemented in phases. Moreover, starting with priority stretches that serve major ports and industrial belts.
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