Indian Railways is planning three new dedicated freight corridors. The move aims to create a national high-speed cargo network. This information comes from sources familiar with the development.
Detailed project reports for the new lines are complete. They are now under official examination. According to Reuters, this expansion is a key part of India's infrastructure push.
The three proposed corridors span the country's east, west, and center. The East Coast Corridor will run 1,115 km from Kharagpur to Vijayawada. The East-West Corridor will cover 1,673 km from Bhusawal to Dankuni.
A North-South Sub-Corridor will link Vijayawada to Itarsi over 975 km. The total estimated cost is around ₹1.5 trillion. Officials may prioritize one corridor first based on traffic and funding.
This follows the success of two existing freight corridors. The operational Eastern and Western DFCs have already increased freight speeds. They have also reduced congestion on busy passenger lines.
The East Coast Corridor is likely a top priority. It handles the highest freight volume for the railways. This line is crucial for evacuating cargo from eastern ports.
It will also transport minerals from Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Experts say this corridor offers the highest rate of return. It supports coastal shipping instead of competing with it.
All new corridors will handle double-stack containers. They are designed for higher axle loads and faster speeds. The goal is to create reliable, time-tabled freight operations across India.