Freight Corridors-India
Freight Corridor projects are expected to have a significant impact on the country’s logistics and transportation sector, promote trade and commerce, and enhance economic growth. The key frieght corridor developments in India which needs to be understood are
Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project:
The DFC project is one of the largest rail infrastructure projects in India and aims to build dedicated freight corridors spanning across the country. The project consists of two corridors: Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) and Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC).
Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) — The EDFC connects Ludhiana in Punjab to Dankuni in West Bengal, covering a distance of 1,856 km. It comprises of two parts — an electrified double-track corridor from Ludhiana to Sonnagar (1,115 km) and a diesel-operated single-track corridor from Sonnagar to Dankuni (741 km)
East Coast Dedicated Freight Corridor (ECDFC) — The ECDFC connects Kharagpur in West Bengal to Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, covering a distance of 1,115 km. It comprises of an electrified double-track corridor.
Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) — The WDFC connects Dadri near Delhi to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust near Mumbai, covering a distance of 1,504 km. It also comprises of two parts — an electrified double-track corridor from Dadri to Vadodara (921 km) and a diesel-operated single-track corridor from Vadodara to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (583 km).
South-Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (SWDFC) — The SWDFC connects Dadri near Delhi to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust near Mumbai, covering a distance of 1,500 km. It comprises of an electrified single-track corridor.
Southern Dedicated Freight Corridor (SDFC) — The SDFC connects Chennai to Kanyakumari, covering a distance of 1,181 km. It comprises of an electrified double-track corridor.
Here are some of the future plans for freight corridors in India and the plan for the use of Vande Bharat trains for carrying cargo:
Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor (CBIC):
The CBIC is a proposed freight corridor that aims to connect the port city of Chennai to the industrial hub of Bangalore. The project is expected to enhance the region’s competitiveness by improving logistics, infrastructure, and connectivity.
Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC):
The DMIC is a mega infrastructure project that aims to develop a dedicated freight corridor connecting the national capital region of Delhi to Mumbai. The project also includes the development of industrial nodes, smart cities, and other infrastructure along the corridor.
Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC):
The AKIC is a proposed freight corridor that aims to connect the eastern and northern parts of India. The project will provide seamless connectivity to ports, promote trade and commerce, and enhance the region’s economic growth.
Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC):
The VCIC is a proposed freight corridor that aims to connect the port city of Vizag to Chennai. The project is expected to promote industrial growth in the region, improve connectivity, and enhance the efficiency of the logistics sector.
WHY ARE FREIGHT CORRIDORS IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE OF LOGISTICS IN INDIA OR ANY OTHER COUNTRY?’
Freight corridors are important for the future of logistics in India, as well as in any other country, for several reasons:
Efficient Movement of Goods: Freight corridors provide a dedicated route for the movement of goods, thereby reducing the time and cost of transportation. By using freight corridors, trucks and other modes of transportation can avoid congested highways and roads, resulting in faster and more efficient movement of goods.
Improved Logistics Infrastructure: Freight corridors require the development of supporting infrastructure, such as warehouses, truck terminals, and distribution centers, which improve the overall logistics infrastructure in the country. This, in turn, leads to better connectivity, increased investment, and job creation.
Increased Competitiveness: The development of freight corridors makes the transportation of goods more efficient, reducing transportation costs, and increasing the competitiveness of businesses. This, in turn, helps in promoting economic growth and attracting foreign investment.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Freight corridors promote the use of more environmentally friendly modes of transportation, such as rail and waterways, which have a lower carbon footprint than trucks. This helps in reducing the overall carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development.
Safety and Security: Freight corridors are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for the movement of goods, reducing the risk of theft, damage, and accidents. This promotes a safer and more reliable logistics system, which is essential for businesses to operate efficiently.
Pls also find a YT link for better understanding
In conclusion, freight corridors are crucial for the future of logistics in India, as well as in other countries, as they provide an efficient, sustainable, and safe mode of transportation for goods, which is essential for economic growth and development.
