India has officially emerged as the world’s second-largest rail freight network, a milestone achieved through the successful rollout of its Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs). The ambitious infrastructure initiative, spearheaded by Indian Railways, has transformed freight logistics by significantly reducing transit time, enhancing cargo efficiency, and boosting industrial connectivity across the country.
The Eastern and Western DFCs stretching over 3,000 kilometres have become the backbone of India’s freight operations, connecting key industrial hubs, ports, and consumption centers. The corridors have not only improved the average speed of goods trains from 25 kmph to nearly 70 kmph but have also freed up passenger lines, enabling smoother and faster travel for commuters.
Experts note that this achievement positions India as a global logistics hub, enabling cost-efficient cargo movement and supporting initiatives like Make in India and Gati Shakti. The DFC model is now being expanded with additional corridors under planning, including the East Coast and East-West Freight Corridors, which will further strengthen India’s supply chain backbone and trade competitiveness.
With this feat, India stands just behind China in rail freight capacity, underlining the country’s growing prowess in infrastructure, logistics, and transport modernization.
