Surat : The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) has taken a significant step forward in Gujarat with the go-ahead from the 6th High Level Divisional Committee of Western Railway. This marks the operationalization of a 250 km stretch between Vadodara, Surat, and Sanjan, allowing for the movement of 15-20 goods trains daily.
The DFC is a 1506 km long freight-only railway line designed to ease congestion on passenger routes between Mumbai and Delhi. With this new section operational, passenger trains running on the existing main line are expected to see significant benefits. The reduction in goods traffic will allow mail and express trains to reach speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour, minimizing delays caused by slower goods trains. Additionally, the freed-up capacity on the main line opens the possibility for introducing new passenger trains on the route.
"This is a major development for passenger travel in Gujarat," said a DFC official. "With fewer goods trains on the main line, we can expect faster journey times and potentially even new train services."
The DFC line in Gujarat features eight connection points to the main line, allowing for the diversion of passenger trains in case of emergencies. Currently, trains with varying capacities of 47, 58, and 60 wagons are running on the operational sections. The successful launch of this initial stretch paves the way for further expansion of the DFC in Gujarat, offering a promising future for both freight and passenger rail services in the region.
