NEW DELHI: India’s Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) network is witnessing significant growth in freight transportation, with the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) achieving major operational milestones in train movements, double-stack operations and freight train interchange.
The latest performance figures released by DFCCIL highlight the increasing capacity and operational efficiency of the dedicated freight rail network. The growth is strengthening India’s logistics infrastructure, improving supply chain connectivity and supporting faster movement of goods across the country.
Double-Stack Train Operations Increase 27.43% in October 2026
DFCCIL operated 1,203 double-stack freight trains in October 2026, compared with 944 trains during the corresponding month in 2025. This represents a year-on-year growth of 27.43%.
The increase reflects the growing utilisation of dedicated freight infrastructure and the expanding role of double-stack operations in enhancing freight-carrying capacity.
Double-stack container transportation allows more cargo to be carried in a single train movement, helping improve asset utilisation and supporting more efficient logistics operations.
Average Daily Freight Train Movement Rises to 472
DFCCIL has also recorded a substantial improvement in the average number of freight trains operated per day.
The average daily train movement increased from 385 trains in October 2025 to 472 trains in October 2026, registering a growth of 22.78%.
The rise highlights the improved operational capability of the Dedicated Freight Corridor network and its ability to handle increasing freight demand through better infrastructure utilisation and efficient train management.
DFCCIL Records Highest-Ever Interchange of Over 950 Freight Trains
Adding another significant achievement, DFCCIL recorded its highest-ever interchange of more than 950 freight trains on November 7, 2026, across the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) and Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC).
The record interchange included:
- Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC): 516 trains (514+2).
- Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC): 435 trains (434+1).
- Combined interchange: 951 freight trains.
This milestone reflects the growing operational strength of both corridors and their increasing contribution to India’s freight transportation network.
Dedicated Freight Corridors Strengthen India’s Logistics Infrastructure
The consistent rise in freight train operations and interchange volumes highlights the advantages of dedicated rail infrastructure. Unlike conventional railway routes that handle both passenger and freight traffic, dedicated freight corridors provide infrastructure specifically designed for freight movement.
This enables improved operational efficiency, reduced congestion and better transit planning for goods transportation.
The DFC network is also emerging as a critical part of India’s multimodal logistics infrastructure, connecting industrial centres, logistics hubs, ports and consumption markets. Its expanding capacity is expected to support export-import (EXIM) trade, facilitate domestic cargo movement and improve the competitiveness of Indian industries.
DFCCIL Focuses on Efficient and High-Capacity Freight Transportation
The latest operational achievements reinforce DFCCIL’s commitment to developing a modern, efficient and high-capacity freight transportation system.
With increasing train movements, higher double-stack operations and improved interchange performance, the Dedicated Freight Corridors are playing an important role in transforming India’s freight logistics landscape.
The growing capacity of the network is expected to contribute to faster cargo transportation, stronger supply chains and the country’s broader economic growth objectives.
About DFCCIL
Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) is a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Railways. Established to develop and operate dedicated freight corridors across the country, DFCCIL aims to improve freight transportation efficiency, reduce logistics costs and strengthen India’s railway-based supply chain infrastructure.
