Dedicated Freight Corridor Sees 48% Surge in Operations, Cutting Logistics Costs

Industrial Goods/Services

1st November 2025, 10:27 AM

Dedicated Freight Corridor Sees 48% Surge in Operations, Cutting Logistics Costs

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Short Description :

Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) reported a significant 48% increase in freight train operations for FY 2024-25, covering 11.5 million cumulative kilometers. The corporation's enhanced efficiency has helped reduce India's logistics costs from 14% to approximately 8-9% of GDP. Key developments include operating the country's longest freight train, 'Rudrashtra,' and expanding infrastructure with new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals, aiming to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce overall logistics expenditure.

Detailed Coverage :

Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) has announced a substantial 48% surge in its freight train operations for the fiscal year 2024-25. The corporation, managing approximately 2,750 km of Eastern and Western corridors, successfully moved goods over a cumulative distance of nearly 11.5 million kilometers. On average, DFCCIL operated over 381 freight trains per day, demonstrating enhanced operational capability and reliability. This operational surge is critically important as it contributes to reducing India's overall logistics cost, estimated at Rs 24 lakh crore. DFCCIL's efforts have helped lower this cost from 14% of the country's GDP to an estimated 8-9%. The total number of trains operated in the review period reached 1,39,302. Key performance indicators like Gross Tonne Kilometre (GTKM) and Net Tonne Kilometre (NTKM) also showed continuous improvement, indicating increased network productivity.

DFCCIL also achieved historic milestones, including the successful operation of 'Rudrashtra,' India's longest freight train, measuring 4.5 kilometers with 354 wagons. The corporation is expanding its infrastructure through Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) and Multimodal Logistics Hubs (MMLHs), with new terminals being commissioned. Initiatives like 'Truck-on-Train' and 'High-Speed Small Cargo Service' are designed to improve first and last-mile connectivity and encourage a modal shift towards rail transport. These developments are crucial for connecting local industries to national and global markets, further optimizing supply chains and reducing logistics costs.

Impact: 8/10

Definitions: * **Gross Tonne Kilometre (GTKM)**: A measure of freight transport activity that calculates the total weight of the train and its cargo multiplied by the distance it travels. * **Net Tonne Kilometre (NTKM)**: A measure focusing specifically on the cargo, calculating the weight of the cargo multiplied by the distance it travels. * **Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs)**: Freight terminals developed under the government's Gati Shakti initiative to improve logistics infrastructure and connectivity. * **Multimodal Logistics Hubs (MMLHs)**: Facilities that integrate different modes of transport (like rail, road, and sea) to create efficient logistics networks.