The trial marks a key step towards commissioning the Vaitarna‑JNPT section of the WDFC, directly linking India’s largest container handling port to the corridor and enhancing speed, reliability, and port‑based logistics networks.
The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corp. of India Ltd (DFCCIL) has achieved a key milestone in the final phase of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) with successful trial runs of an electric locomotive on the Vaitarna-New Kharbao section.
The 30‑km stretch was tested on both up and down lines, confirming the readiness of the electric supply, locomotive operations, and control systems for commercial freight movement.
The trial marks an important step towards commissioning the Vaitarna-JNPA section of the WDFC, which will directly connect Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA)—India’s largest container handling port—to the corridor. Once operational, the link is expected to significantly enhance the speed of container movement, improve the reliability of time-bound deliveries, and strengthen port-based logistics networks.
Since its inception, more than 124,000 freight trains have been operated on the WDFC. In November 2025, the corridor achieved a record of 200 trains per day, emphasising its high operational capacity and reliability.
Completion of the remaining 72 km of the WDFC will enable full operationalisation, unlocking wide‑ranging benefits for India’s logistics ecosystem. These include faster and uninterrupted freight movement over long distances, the ability to run long‑haul and double‑stack container trains, and a reduction in logistics costs that will boost national competitiveness.
The corridor is also expected to catalyse the development of multimodal logistics parks (MMLPs) and Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs), strengthening end‑to‑end logistics solutions nationwide.