India Plans Massive Freight Corridor Expansion to Boost Economic Growth

Indian Railways is planning three new dedicated freight corridors. The move aims to create a national high-speed cargo network. This information comes from sources familiar with the development.

Detailed project reports for the new lines are complete. They are now under official examination. According to Reuters, this expansion is a key part of India’s infrastructure push.

New Routes Target Key Economic Zones

The three proposed corridors span the country’s east, west, and center. The East Coast Corridor will run 1,115 km from Kharagpur to Vijayawada. The East-West Corridor will cover 1,673 km from Bhusawal to Dankuni.

A North-South Sub-Corridor will link Vijayawada to Itarsi over 975 km. The total estimated cost is around ₹1.5 trillion. Officials may prioritize one corridor first based on traffic and funding.

This follows the success of two existing freight corridors. The operational Eastern and Western DFCs have already increased freight speeds. They have also reduced congestion on busy passenger lines.

Focus on Mining and Port Logistics

The East Coast Corridor is likely a top priority. It handles the highest freight volume for the railways. This line is crucial for evacuating cargo from eastern ports.

It will also transport minerals from Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Experts say this corridor offers the highest rate of return. It supports coastal shipping instead of competing with it.

All new corridors will handle double-stack containers. They are designed for higher axle loads and faster speeds. The goal is to create reliable, time-tabled freight operations across India.

This ambitious freight corridor expansion seeks to capture a larger share of India’s growing logistics market, directly supporting the nation’s economic ambitions.

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What are dedicated freight corridors?

They are exclusive railway lines built only for cargo trains. This separates them from passenger traffic. The result is faster, more reliable freight movement.

How much will the new corridors cost?

The total estimated cost is about ₹1.5 trillion. The East Coast Corridor alone may cost ₹40,000-50,000 crore. Funding details may be outlined in the upcoming Union Budget.

Why is the East Coast Corridor a priority?

It is the highest freight-loading zone for Indian Railways. The corridor is vital for port evacuation and mineral transport. Its high rate of return makes it financially attractive.

What is the target for rail freight share?

Rail’s share of freight fell to about 25% in 2020. The National Rail Plan aims to raise it to 45% by 2030. The new corridors are central to achieving this goal.

Are the existing freight corridors fully used?

Current DFCs run about 300-350 trains daily against a 480-train capacity. Some experts argue for focusing on system-wide upgrades instead of new, expensive corridors.