Freight corridor nears full capacity in Ambala

With the Ambala unit of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) of the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) operating near its full capacity during the peak season, a feasibility study is under way for doubling the tracks.

Of the nearly 2,850 km-long EDFC network, about 400 km of the single-line freight track from Sahnewal in Punjab to New Khurja in Uttar Pradesh falls under the Ambala unit. It is the only single-line section of the corridor; all other major stretches are double-line.

According to officials, the Ambala unit can handle 52–55 trains per day, including maintenance blocks, and currently operates an average of 45 trains daily. During the November–March peak season, it manages 50–55 trains a day and has already reached a record of 62 trains on a single day, exceeding its designed capacity on several occasions.

The unit primarily handles goods trains transporting foodgrain, coal, containers and other commodities. Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals are being opened at New Shambhu and New Gulaothi this financial year, while two more—at New Pilkhani and New Gobindgarh—are planned for the next. These are expected to enhance freight traffic and boost regional economic growth.

Pankaj Gupta, Chief General Manager of the Ambala unit, said, “A maximum of two to three trains can be operated in an hour at present. Considering the rising goods train traffic, it will be beneficial for the railways as well as industries if the tracks are doubled. Besides freight, these tracks can also be used by Indian Railways for passenger services during peak rush, as seen during Chhath Puja.”

“A contract for the feasibility study of track doubling was awarded earlier this year, and nearly 80 per cent of the work has been completed,” he added. “The report will soon be submitted to the board of directors and then placed before the Ministry of Railways for approval. We are hopeful of a positive response.”