Railway Board Orders Fast-Track Execution of Dankuni–Surat Dedicated Freight Corridor

New Delhi : Indian Railways has initiated fast-track action for the expeditious implementation of the newly announced Dankuni-Surat Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), as announced in the Union Budget 2026.

The Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed officials for the time-bound execution of this strategically significant freight corridor.

The proposed new Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), around 2,100 km long, will run from Dankuni to Surat, passing through West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. This corridor will greatly improve freight movement between eastern and western India, make logistics faster and more efficient, reduce travel time for goods trains, and ease congestion on existing Indian Railways routes.

Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) officials have been asked to immediately formalize optimum technical standards incorporating the latest advancements in freight logistics. Key features under consideration include high-capacity electrification systems, no level crossings (nil LCs) and advanced signalling systems such as Kavach, to ensure enhanced safety and higher throughput.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Dankuni-Surat corridor will be updated with the latest cost estimates and revised timelines. The updated DPR will ensure better planning, budgeting and timely execution of the corridor. The corridor will be divided into suitable areas to enable early and simultaneous implementation. Dedicated core teams for each area will be finalized and stationed in the field to closely monitor progress.

Railway board has directed that all pre-construction activities be comprehensively identified and fast-tracked, with simultaneous initiation of preparation of contract documents to avoid any delay in project rollout.

An assessment of optimum manpower requirements for the corridor is also underway. The Railway Board will be apprised on a weekly basis regarding action taken, progress achieved, and assistance required to ensure seamless and expeditious implementation.