New Delhi: The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) organised a high-level Stakeholder Conference in New Delhi to discuss the financing and construction of the proposed East–West Dedicated Freight Corridor (EWDFC). The conference brought together leading infrastructure developers, financial institutions, logistics companies, investors, and multilateral agencies to deliberate on the project’s implementation framework and financing opportunities.
Held at the India Habitat Centre on July 7, 2026, the event marks a significant step towards the development of one of India’s largest freight railway infrastructure projects.
DFCCIL Engages Stakeholders for East–West Dedicated Freight Corridor
The conference was led by Praveen Kumar, Managing Director, DFCCIL, along with senior officials from the Railway Board and DFCCIL.
The discussions focused on creating a collaborative framework for implementing the proposed 2,316-km East–West Dedicated Freight Corridor, which will connect Surat in Gujarat with Dankuni in West Bengal.
The project is expected to transform freight transportation by improving connectivity, reducing logistics costs, and increasing railway freight capacity.
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Hybrid Annuity Model to Drive Project Implementation
A key focus of the conference was the proposed implementation of the East–West Dedicated Freight Corridor under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).
Stakeholders discussed:
- Financing structure for the project
- Construction strategy
- Private sector participation
- Risk-sharing mechanisms
- Project implementation roadmap
The interactive sessions allowed participants to provide suggestions, seek clarifications, and contribute ideas for efficient execution of the mega infrastructure project.
Leading Infrastructure Companies and Investors Participate
The conference witnessed participation from several leading infrastructure developers, EPC contractors, logistics operators, railway technology firms, consultants, and investment agencies.
Major participating organisations included:
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Afcons Infrastructure
- Tata Projects
- IRCON International
- Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
- RITES Ltd.
- G R Infraprojects
- Ashoka Buildcon
- Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL)
- Hindustan Construction Company (HCC)
- Kalpataru Projects International
- KEC International
- GPT Infraprojects
- Dineshchandra R. Agrawal Infracon Pvt. Ltd. (DRAIPL)
- GMR Group
- Hindalco Industries
Representatives from logistics companies such as Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), Adani Road Transport Ltd, and DP World also attended the conference.
Financial Institutions Show Strong Interest in EWDFC
The event attracted participation from several domestic and international financial institutions and development finance agencies, reflecting strong investor confidence in the project.
Key institutions included:
- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
- World Bank
- MUFG Bank
- State Bank of India
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Axis Bank
- Bank of Baroda
- Canara Bank
- Union Bank of India
- Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC)
- Power Finance Corporation (PFC)
- REC Limited
- National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID)
- International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- New Development Bank (NDB)
- YES Bank
Infrastructure investment firms, rating agencies, and advisory organisations such as NIIF, CDPQ India, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, EY, PwC, CRISIL, CARE Ratings, and ICRA also participated in the discussions.
East–West Dedicated Freight Corridor to Strengthen India’s Logistics Network
The proposed East–West Dedicated Freight Corridor will span approximately 2,316 kilometres, connecting Surat (Gujarat) to Dankuni (West Bengal).
The corridor will pass through six states and is expected to:
- Increase India’s freight transportation capacity
- Improve multimodal logistics connectivity
- Reduce transportation time and logistics costs
- Support industrial growth and manufacturing
- Enhance supply chain efficiency across the country
The project is considered one of India’s next-generation freight infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening economic growth and logistics competitiveness.
DFCCIL Reaffirms Commitment to Timely Project Execution
Speaking at the conference, Praveen Kumar, Managing Director, DFCCIL, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to implementing the East–West Dedicated Freight Corridor through collaborative stakeholder engagement, innovative financing solutions, and efficient project execution.
He appreciated the efforts of DFCCIL’s finance and project teams for successfully organising the stakeholder consultation and emphasized the importance of continued industry participation in achieving the project’s objectives.
About DFCCIL
Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) is a Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, responsible for planning, developing, constructing, operating, and maintaining India’s Dedicated Freight Corridors. The organisation plays a crucial role in modernising the country’s rail freight infrastructure by building high-capacity freight corridors that improve logistics efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and support India’s economic growth and industrial development.
