New Delhi: The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) achieved yet another significant engineering milestone with the successful installation of the longest Rail Flyover (RFO) girder ever constructed by the organisation. The landmark achievement was accomplished on January 26, 2026, with the launch of a 110.5-metre-long Open Web Steel Girder on the UP line near Kalamboli in the JNPT–Vaitarna section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC).
Weighing approximately 1,500 tonnes, the massive steel structure now stands as a testament to DFCCIL’s growing engineering capabilities and its commitment to building world-class freight infrastructure for the nation.
Complex Radial Shifting Operation Over Active Railway Track
The installation of the rail flyover girder involved a highly complex and meticulously planned 32-metre radial shifting operation carried out over an active Indian Railways track. Given the enormous size and weight of the girder, achieving precise placement posed considerable engineering challenges.
The operation required advanced construction techniques, detailed structural calculations, and carefully sequenced execution to ensure safety and accuracy. The girder was erected using heavy-duty cranes and hydraulic jacks, highlighting the use of modern engineering solutions in India’s infrastructure development.
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Night-Time Execution Amid Adverse Conditions
To minimise disruption to rail operations, the entire radial shifting process was executed during night hours. The project teams worked under challenging conditions, including adverse weather and operational constraints.
Despite these hurdles, the operation was completed safely and within the stipulated timeframe, reflecting the high level of preparedness, discipline, and coordination among DFCCIL engineers, contractors, and supporting agencies.
Senior DFCCIL Officials Witness the Historic Launch
Senior officials from the DFCCIL Corporate Office were present on-site to witness the historic launch of the rail flyover girder. Among those present were Sandesh Srivastava, Executive Director (Project), and S. K. Negi, Consultant (Project Development).
The officials closely reviewed the execution of the operation and expressed appreciation for the exceptional coordination and teamwork demonstrated by all stakeholders involved in the project.
Leadership Applauds Engineering Excellence and National Commitment
Commenting on the achievement, Sandesh Srivastava stated that the successful installation reflects the sustained efforts, technical competence, and national commitment of DFCCIL’s engineering teams. He emphasized that the newly installed structure would serve as a critical freight asset for decades to come, supporting India’s growing logistics and transportation needs.
Western Dedicated Freight Corridor: A Game Changer for Logistics
The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, which connects Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Maharashtra, traverses the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Once fully operational, the corridor is expected to significantly enhance India’s freight movement and export logistics capacity.
The project aims to increase average freight train speeds, reduce transit times, and lower logistics costs, thereby improving the overall efficiency of goods transportation across the country.
Part of India’s Largest Rail Infrastructure Initiative
The Dedicated Freight Corridor project, comprising both the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), represents one of India’s most ambitious rail infrastructure initiatives.
By separating freight and passenger traffic, the DFC network is designed to decongest existing railway lines while enabling faster, heavier, and longer freight trains to operate efficiently.
Boost to Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
The successful installation of the longest rail flyover girder marks an important step toward the completion of the JNPT–Vaitarna section of the WDFC. The achievement aligns closely with the national objectives of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, strengthening domestic engineering capabilities and reducing reliance on imports.
By enabling faster and more reliable freight movement, the project contributes to India’s vision of emerging as a world-class logistics, manufacturing, and export hub.
Steady Progress Towards Critical Infrastructure Goals
This milestone reinforces DFCCIL’s steady progress in delivering critical infrastructure projects across the country. The successful completion of such complex engineering operations underscores the organisation’s role as a key driver of India’s economic growth and infrastructure transformation.
About DFCCIL
The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) is a government-owned corporation tasked with planning, developing, and operating high-speed freight corridors across India, aimed at decongesting passenger lines, reducing logistics costs, and improving the efficiency of cargo transportation nationwide.
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