WESTERN DEDICATED FREIGHT CORRIDOR (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure)

Context: The execution problems faced by the Tata Projects and challenges in the construction work have led to inordinate delays in the implementation of Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC).

Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC)

• About: The WDFC spans approximately 1,500 kilometers from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Mumbai.

oIt traverses through Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, connecting major ports en route.

• Funding: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), highlighting international collaboration in infrastructure development.
• Connecting Link: Currently, the section between Dadri and Khurja is under construction, aiming to link the eastern and western arms of the freight corridor.
• Industrial Corridor Development: The development of the Delhi-Mumbai and Amritsar-Kolkata industrial corridors is closely integrated with the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs).
• Benefits:

oLogistics costs are expected to decrease significantly due to streamlined freight transport.

oImproved transportation systems will lead to higher energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.

oGoods will be transported faster, benefiting industries dependent on timely deliveries.

oThe WDFC is designed to be environmentally friendly, minimizing ecological disruptions.