New Delhi: The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) is making significant progress on the Vaitarna–Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). A detailed two-day inspection by Mr. Praveen Kumar, Managing Director, DFCCIL, focused on ensuring that the 102-km stretch is fully prepared for double-stack train operations and meets all technical, structural, and safety standards.
Comprehensive Review of Track and Systems
During the inspection, the Managing Director traveled along the corridor by rail car to review all critical infrastructure. Key elements assessed included:
- Track conditions and alignment
- Signalling and automatic train control systems
- Overhead Equipment (OHE) and power supply arrangements
- Telecommunication network and control systems
- Bridges, tunnels, and other structural components
Officials were instructed to ensure that all works adhere to prescribed quality standards and strict safety norms, leaving no room for compromise.
The inspection was attended by senior DFCCIL officials including Mr. Anurag Sharma, Director (Infrastructure); Mr. Sandeep Srivastava, Executive Director (Project); Mr. Vikas Srivastava, GGM (S&T); Mr. Ran Vijay, GGM (Electrical), and key members from the Mumbai Unit such as Mr. H.G. Tiwari, CGM (Mumbai); Mr. S.K. Jha, GM (Civil); Mr. Naveen Singh, GM (S&T); Mr. Jitendra Srivastava, GM (Safety); and Mr. Arvind Nagar, JGM (OP&BD). The team stopped at multiple locations along the stretch to evaluate construction progress and systems functionality.
Examination of Bridges, Tunnels, and Track Structures
The officials conducted on-site inspections of major bridges, tunnels, and track structures, ensuring that all components are ready for freight operations. Key highlights include:
- Completion of all major structural works including Road Over Bridges (ROB) and Road Under Bridges (RUB)
- Grade-separated railway crossings ensuring uninterrupted rail and road traffic
- Functional testing of signalling equipment, automatic train control systems, and telecommunication networks
Earlier, on 28 January 2026, the inspection of the New Kharbao–New Kalamboli stretch was conducted to assess port connectivity, track quality, and signalling progress, further strengthening readiness for operations.
Special Focus on Safety
Safety remained a top priority during the inspection. The team reviewed:
- Trackside equipment and emergency communication systems
- Deployment of field staff for operational readiness
- Testing procedures in line with safety norms
Mr. Praveen Kumar emphasized that safety must not be compromised at any stage, ensuring that every operational and testing procedure follows stringent standards.
Instructions for Timely Completion
To ensure smooth commencement of freight operations, the inspection team assessed resource availability and manpower. Officials were instructed to:
- Enhance inter-departmental coordination
- Expedite remaining construction and installation work
- Proactively resolve potential bottlenecks to meet project deadlines
About DFCCIL
The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) is a central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways. It is responsible for planning, constructing, and operating dedicated freight corridors across India, aiming to enhance freight transport efficiency, reduce congestion on existing rail networks, and support economic growth through improved logistics infrastructure.
