A new beginning- Freight corridors should improve logistics position

Source: The post is based on the article “A new beginning- Freight corridors should improve logistics position” published in “Business standard” on 17th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Economy- Infrastructure

News: The article discusses the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) in India, which will speed up freight transport. Despite benefits, it faced delays, cost overruns, and changes in route and train speed. The project aims to boost railway freight by 2030.

What is the EDFC?

EDFC Overview:

Full Name: Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC).

Length: 1,337-km.

Route: Extends from Punjab to Bihar.

Significance: It aims to more than halve the transit time for freight, benefiting especially coal deliveries to northern power plants.

Delays: Originally set for completion in 2017-18, it faced a five-year delay.

Cost: The delay led to a 54% increase in costs, with the EDFC’s portion costing 251,000 crore.

Route Alteration: Initially planned to reach Dankuni, West Bengal, but now terminates at Son Nagar, Bihar.

Future Plans: Parts of the EDFC have been operational since 2020, with most of it expected to be functional by March 2024.

What is the significance of the EDFC?

Efficiency Boost: The EDFC promises to more than halve the transit time for moving freight across connected states.

Power Sector Aid: Ensures quicker coal deliveries to power plants in north-western states, addressing a persistent problem during summer when power demand soars.

Logistics Revolution: Designed to significantly reduce the challenges and delays industries typically face in freight transportation in India.

Rail Freight Enhancement: At present, only 27% of freight in India is transported by rail. With the EDFC, the goal is to elevate this to 45% by 2030, challenging the dominance of road transport.

Landmark Infrastructure Project: Initially envisioned in 2005 as a premier infrastructure project, it underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its logistics and infrastructure.

Economic Catalyst: The operational efficiency brought by EDFC can spur economic growth by ensuring timely movement of goods and resources.