The two-day seminar, organized by DFCCIL, aims to facilitate technical discussions and knowledge exchange among international experts, Indian Railways officials, RDSO representatives, and other stakeholders. Around 12 speakers are participating, discussing emerging technologies such as AI-based predictive maintenance, autonomous inspection, and advanced monitoring systems.
Kumar emphasized that many railway functions currently depend on manual operations, and that technological adoption could significantly improve safety and reliability. He noted that only about seven or eight countries worldwide operate heavy-haul freight systems, including the United States, Sweden, China, Australia, Brazil, and South Africa, with India now joining this elite group via its dedicated freight corridors.
The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project was conceived primarily to reduce logistics costs in India, which currently stand at 13–14% of GDP, compared to the global average of 7–8%. The Eastern and Western DFCs were sanctioned to improve freight efficiency and reduce these costs. Early studies show a decline in logistics costs after the corridors’ operations commenced.
Looking ahead, Kumar outlined DFCCIL’s role in building new freight infrastructure, highlighting the recently announced East-West Dedicated Freight Corridor. This corridor will connect Dankuni in West Bengal to the Surat region in Gujarat, spanning approximately 2,100 kilometres with double-line tracks and high-rise overhead electrification. DFCCIL has been entrusted by the government with constructing this major addition to India’s freight network.
Leveraging its experience from the successful implementation of the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors, DFCCIL is well-positioned to execute future heavy-haul freight projects and further strengthen India’s freight transportation system.
