Connecting JNPA to the 1,506 km WDFC will mark the culmination of one of India’s largest rail projects since Independence.
Senior officials of the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corp. of India Ltd (DFCCIL) and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) recently concluded detailed discussions on operationalising the remaining Vaitarna-JNPA section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC).
Shobhit Bhatnagar, Director of Operations & Business Development, and Ravish Kumar Singh, Deputy Chairperson, JNPA, deliberated on connecting the remaining Vaitarna-JNPA section of the rail freight corridor to India’s largest container port at a two‑day coordination meeting held on January 14 and 15. This is expected to significantly enhance the rail‑based cargo handling capacity of the port, accelerate freight movement, and further reduce logistics costs.
The top officials reviewed the progress of the section, the strategic importance of port connectivity, and its long‑term impact. JNPA officials reiterated that besides boosting export‑import trade, WDFC’s completion would strengthen the global competitiveness of Indian ports.
Bhatnagar also met with VA Malegaonkar, Principal Chief Operations Manager, and Narendra Pawar, Chief Freight Transportation Manager, Western Railway, as well as Pankaj Singh, Divisional Railway Manager, Mumbai Central Division. Critical areas such as progress of work, crew arrangement, train management and operations, and safety and security were analysed by the officials.
The linking of JNPA to WDFC is expected to be a significant milestone in India’s rail‑based logistics sector, as it will promote a modal shift of freight from road to rail, leading to fuel savings and reduced environmental pollution. With rail transport being safer and more cost‑effective, several industries along the 1,506 km WDFC route are expected to benefit substantially.
With this, the entire stretch of one of post-Independent India’s biggest rail infrastructure projects would be completed.