India is pushing forward with domestic rail freight corridors after the 1 February budget. The government accelerated its ambitious plans for the country to become a key trading hub by 2047. In this context, Indian Railways has initiated fast-track action for the new Dankuni-Surat Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC).
The new DFC will link Dankuni in West Bengal with Surat in Gujarat, connecting India's eastern and western coasts. The corridor could move freight between the country's two major port regions (Kolkata/Haldia and Surat/Mumbai) via inland routes. India's existing DFC network already runs the Eastern DFC (Ludhiana-Dankuni) and Western DFC (Dadri-JNPT Mumbai) operationally.
The new corridor will accommodate double-stack container trains running at 100 km/h. Being entirely dedicated to freight — unlike conventional lines — it offers high productivity without passenger train conflicts. India's goal is to raise rail's share of freight transport from 27 per cent to 45 per cent by 2030. The target seeks both to reduce road-based carbon emissions and to enhance manufacturing competitiveness.
Key Takeaways:
1. India initiated fast-track action for the new Dankuni-Surat Dedicated Freight Corridor.
2. The corridor will link West Bengal and Gujarat, connecting the east and west coasts.
3. The government aims to make the country a key trading hub by 2047.
4. The existing Eastern and Western DFCs are already operational.
5. India targets rail's freight share rising to 45 per cent by 2030.
