Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three major sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) in Vadodara on Tuesday. The three sections cover 326 route kilometres and were developed at a cost of more than ₹20,700 crore. With their opening, India's operational Dedicated Freight Corridor network has reached 2,843 km.Key HighlightsThree new WDFC sections covering 326 km were inaugurated in Gujarat and Maharashtra.The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor is now fully operational across its 1,506-km route.India's total operational DFC network has reached 2,843 km.More than 400 freight trains operate on the corridors every day.The project is expected to improve freight movement and reduce pressure on passenger railway routes.Three New DFC Sections InauguratedThe PM Modi freight corridor inauguration covered three important sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor.These are New Sanand (North)-New Makarpura, New Umbergaon-New Saphale and New Saphale-New JNPT."Together, these stretches complete the 1,506-km WDFC, which connects Dadri in Uttar Pradesh, near Delhi, with Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) in Navi Mumbai.:The new railway sections will strengthen the movement of goods between western ports, industrial areas and markets in northern India.Dedicated Freight Corridor Network Reaches 2,843 KmThe completion of the WDFC adds to the already operational 1,337-km Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC).Together, the two corridors now form a 2,843-km Dedicated Freight Corridor network.The DFC system is designed especially for freight trains. It keeps heavy goods trains away from many busy passenger railway routes."More than 400 freight trains operate on the corridors every day. The network carries containers as well as coal, iron, steel, cement, food grains and other important goods.;Related Instagram Video :PM Modi Inaugurates Three New Freight Corridor SectionsFaster Freight Movement and Better ConnectivityThe Indian Railways freight corridor system is helping improve the speed and efficiency of goods transportation.Freight trains on the dedicated routes can move with fewer interruptions from passenger services. Average freight speeds have increased to more than 50 km per hour, according to the information provided.Double-stack container trains and higher axle-load trains have also increased the capacity of the network.The project is expected to improve India freight connectivity, support ports and industries, and reduce logistics pressure on conventional railway routes.₹20,700 Crore Railway Project and Future PlansThe three newly inaugurated sections represent an investment of more than ₹20,700 crore.The wider Dedicated Freight Corridor network is also expected to support economic activity by connecting ports, industrial centres and logistics hubs more efficiently.India is now looking at further expansion of the freight corridor system. Plans are being developed for a proposed third corridor connecting Dankuni in West Bengal with Surat in Gujarat.The expansion of dedicated freight routes is aimed at creating a faster, stronger and more efficient railway system for India's growing cargo movement.Also Read : PM Modi to Launch Major Rail, Road Projects and Open Global Fintech Fest Tomorrow
