India Plans Massive Freight Corridor Expansion

Indian Railways is charting a course for a substantial expansion of its high-speed cargo network, with plans for three new dedicated freight corridors. These ambitious projects, estimated to cost around ₹1.5 trillion, are designed to extend the reach of efficient logistics deeper into southern, eastern, and central India. This initiative builds upon the proven success of two operational corridors, aiming to establish a seamless nationwide logistics loop. Detailed project reports for the proposed Kharagpur-Vijayawada, Bhusawal-Dankuni, and Vijayawada-Nagpur-Itarsi corridors are currently under review.

The new corridors are poised to significantly enhance freight speeds and ease congestion on passenger routes, a critical step as India's logistics market experiences robust growth. The national transporter aims to increase its share in total freight movement from the current 27% to a target of 45% by 2030. The East Coast Corridor, a key component of the expansion, is anticipated to be prioritized due to its strategic importance in supporting port evacuation and facilitating the movement of minerals from resource-rich regions.