The commencement of construction work on the dedicated freight corridor from Dankuni to Sonnagar, spanning 538 kilometers, is imminent, thanks to the PM Gati Shakti Fund. This ambitious project also encompasses the construction of a 195-kilometer rail line from Koderma to New Mugma. The transformation brought about by this endeavor is nothing short of remarkable, with the expected increase in the average speed of goods trains in this section, rising from the current 25-30 kilometers per hour to an impressive 60-70 kilometers per hour.
This monumental construction of the dedicated freight corridor promises to be a game-changer, with far-reaching implications for various sectors, including agriculture, food processing, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The benefits of this project extend beyond transportation, and it is set to play a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and regional development.
One of the key highlights of this project is the inauguration of the 137-kilometer track from New Deendayal Upadhyay Station to the New Sonnagar section of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor. Scheduled for an online inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, this significant section comes with an estimated cost of Rs 5,705 crore. The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Corporation Limited (DMICDC) is spearheading this ambitious project, aiming to revolutionize freight transportation in the region.
DFCCIL (Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited) is overseeing the construction of this dedicated freight corridor. The corridor will connect the major coal belts of ICL, CCL, BCCL, and NCL in Jharkhand and West Bengal to the powerhouses of North India, ensuring a more efficient and swift movement of essential resources. The dedicated freight corridor is a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing the logistics and transportation infrastructure of the country.
With goods trains operating at a maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour within this corridor, the movement of coal rakes to power plants will be significantly expedited. This development holds immense significance as it will not only reduce transportation time but also boost the movement of iron and steel, along with other crucial commodities. It is important to note that this vital section spans across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and is supported by funding from the World Bank.
This dedicated freight corridor comprises eight stations, including five junction stations and three crossing stations. The stations are strategically located in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, enhancing connectivity and ensuring efficient resource movement. These stations play a pivotal role in reducing the congestion on the existing Delhi-Howrah main line, improving the overall efficiency of freight transportation.
The introduction of a centralized control room in Allahabad has been a critical aspect of managing the dedicated freight corridor. This centralized control room, considered the second largest in Asia, plays a vital role in overseeing the operations and ensuring the smooth functioning of the corridor. It enables the efficient and timely running of mail/express passenger trains, and the introduction of additional coaching services in the region. The centralized control room is a testament to the government’s commitment to harnessing technology for the advancement of transportation and logistics.
The dedicated freight corridor has already made a substantial impact on freight traffic in Jharkhand, with a noticeable increase of 10 percent. This growth is a clear indication of the positive influence of this project on the region’s economy. The reduced travel time and enhanced efficiency have made it a preferred choice for transportation, benefiting various industries and sectors.
In conclusion, the commencement of construction work on the dedicated freight corridor from Dankuni to Sonnagar is a transformative development that holds immense promise for the region’s economic growth. This project is a testament to the government’s dedication to improving transportation infrastructure, boosting regional connectivity, and enhancing the efficiency of resource movement. As the dedicated freight corridor project unfolds, it symbolizes a brighter and more efficient future for the transportation and logistics sector in India.