Overview of the DFC Project
Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project
The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project is one of India’s largest and most ambitious infrastructure initiatives, designed to transform the nation’s freight transportation sector. Spanning over 1,483 kilometers, the DFC will create a dedicated railway network that will revolutionize the movement of goods across India. This strategic project aims to increase the speed, efficiency, and capacity of freight transport, significantly contributing to India’s economic growth. By improving connectivity between industrial hubs, the DFC is set to reduce transportation costs and delivery times, which is expected to bring about a 2-3% reduction in logistics costs, currently one of the highest in the world at around 13-15% of GDP.
| Uttar Pradesh | 22 km (1.4%) |
| NCR of Delhi | 115 km (7.5%) |
| Haryana | 130 km (8.5%) |
| Rajasthan | 553 km (36%) |
| Gujarat | 565 km (36.8%) |
| Maharashtra | 150 km (9.8%) |
| Total | 1535 Kms(100%) |
Highlights of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC)
The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project is one of India’s largest and most ambitious infrastructure initiatives, designed to transform the nation’s freight transportation sector. Spanning over 1,483 kilometers, the DFC will create a dedicated railway network that will revolutionize the movement of goods across India. This strategic project aims to increase the speed, efficiency, and capacity of freight transport, significantly contributing to India’s economic growth. By improving connectivity between industrial hubs, the DFC is set to reduce transportation costs and delivery times, which is expected to bring about a 2-3% reduction in logistics costs, currently one of the highest in the world at around 13-15% of GDP.
Length and Layout:
- Eastern DFC: Connects Ludhiana to Howrah over 1,100 kilometers, serving northern India’s heavy manufacturing zones.
- Western DFC: Connects Delhi to Mumbai over 1,483 kilometers, passing through several key states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Eastern DFC: Connects Ludhiana to Howrah over 1,100 kilometers, serving northern India’s heavy manufacturing zones.
Capacity:
- The DFC will handle over 1,100 freight trains daily, carrying millions of tons of goods annually, including containers, coal, cement, and steel.
State of the Art Infrastructure:
- Dedicated tracks for freight with double-stack containers and high-speed trains capable of traveling at speeds up to 100 km/h, which is a significant improvement over current freight train speeds.
| Complete Stretch of Western DFC | Stretch of Western DFC passing thru Gujarat | |
| DFC Length | 1535 Kms | 565 Km |
| Project Cost | Rs. 30,327 Crs. | Rs. 12,000 Crs. |
Economic, Industrial, and Environmental Impact of the DFC
The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) is poised to significantly contribute to India’s economic growth by adding between 1.5% to 2% to the country’s GDP over the next five years, thanks to improved logistics efficiency and reduced transportation costs. As the backbone of India’s logistics infrastructure, the DFC will also foster the expansion of Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs), Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and industrial corridors like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), boosting the logistics industry. Environmentally, the DFC will contribute to sustainable transport by shifting freight from road to rail, reducing road congestion and lowering carbon emissions by 15-20%, while eliminating approximately 2 million trucks from the roads annually.
Economic, Industrial, and Environmental Impact of the DFC
The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) is poised to significantly contribute to India’s economic growth by adding between 1.5% to 2% to the country’s GDP over the next five years, thanks to improved logistics efficiency and reduced transportation costs. As the backbone of India’s logistics infrastructure, the DFC will also foster the expansion of Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs), Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and industrial corridors like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), boosting the logistics industry. Environmentally, the DFC will contribute to sustainable transport by shifting freight from road to rail, reducing road congestion and lowering carbon emissions by 15-20%, while eliminating approximately 2 million trucks from the roads annually.
Economic, Industrial, and Environmental Impact of the DFC
- Dholera Nano CityGothangam- KRIBHCO, Steel Plants, Dahej port, Bharuch- Dahej Investment Region, Surat – Navsari Industrial Region etc.
- Makarpura- Vadodara – Bharuch Industrial Area, Bharuch – Dahej Investment region, Dahej port etc.
- Anand- Ahmedabad- Dholera Investment region, Ports of Pipavav , Bhavnagar etc.
- Mehsana- Palanpur- Mehsana Industrial area & Ports in Kutch area like Kandla, Gandhidham, Mundra etc.
- Dholera Nano CityPalanpur- Palanpur- Mehsana Industrial area & Ports in Kutch area like Kandla, Gandhidham, Mundra etc.
Progress Update - DFC Project
Award of Contracts
- A Design and Build Contract has been awarded for the construction of 54 major and significant bridges along the Western Corridor between Vaitarana and Surat, covering an area of approximately 200 kilometers. The contract is valued at ₹600 crore.
Land Acquisition
- A notification for land acquisition has been issued for 309 kilometers of the 565-kilometer stretch in Gujarat. According to the Railway Act, the land acquisition process is required to be completed within a one-year timeframe.
Dholera is India’s first smart city, offering world-class infrastructure, strategic location, and high investment potential.