New Delhi, Feb 5 (PTI) The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) has reached a significant milestone in freight train operations during January, marking a new benchmark in India's logistics and transportation efficiency, the Railway Ministry said on Wednesday.

According to the Ministry, a total of 391 trains were operated on an average per day on DFC tracks in the first month of 2025.

“While the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) operated 209 trains per day (average), the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) ran 182 trains per day,” it said.

A press statement issued by the Ministry on Thursday stated that this achievement reflected the increasing reliance on DFC for seamless and efficient freight transportation, reinforcing its role as a backbone for industrial and economic growth.

“Meja Urja Nigam Private Limited was connected to DFCCIL at Station New Unchdih on December 9, 2023. In January 2025, 175 rakes were handled, the highest ever recorded, reflecting the growing efficiency of DFCCIL in meeting industrial demands,” the statement said.

It added, “The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) is playing a crucial role in supporting the Prayagraj Division during the Maha-Kumbh Mela, ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of both passenger and freight trains. With millions of pilgrims expected to visit Prayagraj for this grand religious gathering, the seamless operation of train services becomes a top priority.” According to the statement, by successfully diverting 100 per cent freight traffic from East Central Railway and North Central Railway to EDFC, the freight corridor provided much-needed relief to the adjacent zonal railways and enabled the smooth operation of Mahakumbh Special trains on the saturated routes.

Acknowledging the vital role that the EDFC is playing in decongesting the Prayagraj Division of North Central Railway (NCR), the Ministry said, “This strategic shift of freight traffic is not only easing congestion but also enabling the smooth operation of Maha-Kumbh Mela Special trains, ensuring devotees can travel conveniently for their holy dip in the sacred waters.” PTI JP NB

Dedicated Freight Corridor boosts network decongestion, enabling smoother special train operations during major events and supporting industrial freight handling. The Dedicated Freight Corridor reached a significant operational milestone in January 2025 with high average daily train movements on its Eastern and Western corridors and record rake handling from a newly connected industrial customer; strategic diversion of all freight traffic to the Eastern corridor decongested adjacent zonal lines and enabled smooth operation of special passenger services during a major event.