What’s driving the need for doubling tracks on Eastern Freight Corridor

The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) has initiated a feasibility study for doubling around 400 km of tracks between Sahnewal in Punjab and New Khurja in Uttar Pradesh under the Ambala unit of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC). With the section nearing full capacity during peak operational months, railway officials say doubling the single-line segment is essential to make the corridor future-ready.

What is the current status of Ambala unit?

Of the nearly 2,850-km EDFC, about 400 km between Sahnewal and New Khurja falls under the Ambala unit. Initially, the Ambala unit operated only the 175.1-km Sahnewal-Pilkhani stretch, which became fully functional in January last year. In April this year, another 220-km section from Khurja to Pilkhani, earlier under the Meerut unit, was transferred to Ambala for operations and maintenance.

Why is there a need to double the track?

The Ambala unit is designed for 52-55 trains a day and is already operating an average of 45 daily. During the November-March peak season, train movements rise to 50-55 a day. The corridor has even exceeded its capacity at times, operating 62 trains on a single day and 59 and 56 trains on two other occasions. Since this is the only single-line stretch of the EDFC, while most other sections run on double lines, DFCCIL now plans to eliminate this bottleneck.

What are DFCCIL’s expansion plans?

As a freight-dedicated corridor, it currently carries foodgrain, coal, containers and other commodities. Two Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals are set to open at New Shambhu and New Gulaothi this financial year, with new terminals planned at New Pilkhani and New Gobindgarh next year. Officials expect freight movement and railway revenue to rise with these additions, along with broader regional economic benefits. The corridor can also be used to run passenger trains during festival rush periods.

What is the status of feasibility study?

The feasibility study contract for doubling the Ambala unit’s track was awarded earlier this year and over 80 per cent of the work is complete. Officials say the report will soon be submitted to the DFCCIL board, following which it will go to the Ministry of Railways for sanctions and approvals.

What do officials say about the project?

Pankaj Gupta, Chief General Manager of the Ambala unit, said doubling the track will benefit both the railways and industries as freight traffic continues to rise. He added that the same tracks could also support passenger trains during seasonal rush periods.