New Delhi, 22 August 2013

In yet another important development in the implementation of the ambitious Dedicated Freight Corridor Project of Indian Railways, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) has awarded a major contract for construction of 625 Kms of double track corridor from Rewari (Haryana) to Iqbalgarh (Gujrat) via Rajasthan at a cost of about Rs.6700 crore. The contract has been bagged by M/s. SOJITZ – L&T Consortium, the two construction giants from Japan and India respectively, reflecting the true spirit of bilateral cooperation between both the countries. This is the second mega contract of Dedicated Freight Corridor, the first one having awarded in January, 2013 for construction of 343 Kms double line track between Kanpur and Khurja on EDFC. With the finalization of this contract, DFCCIL has successfully achieved awarding of contracts for about 1000 Kms of double line track on the DFC Project.

Work under this contract, this portion of corridor will be completed within a period 208 weeks (4 years) from the date of commencement i.e. August 30, 2013. This contract provides for construction of double line railway track with 25 ton axle load capable of upgrading to 32.5 ton axle load with double stack container operation. For the first time in India, technically superior Head Hardened Rails to be imported from Japan are being used for this work, which has a much better service life than the rails being presently used on Indian Railways.

Award of this contract marks the beginning of first step towards implementation of country’s most prestigious infrastructure mega project funded through ODA STEP loan of Government of Japan. With the completion of Dedicated Freight Corridor project, it is expected to give much needed fillip to the economy of the country.

Mr. R.K. Gupta, Managing Director, DFCCIL and Mr. Toshihiko Kita / Mr. S.N. Subrahmanyan of M/s. SOJITZ – L&T Consortium exchanged the Contract Document with the clearance from JICA (Japan International Corporation Agency), at a simple ceremony held at New Delhi on August 19, 2013. Thr letter of Effectuation was also handed over by Sh. R K Gupta Managing Director, DFCCIL to Mr. Toshihiko Kita of M/s. SOJITZ – L&T Consortium. H.E. Mr. Takeshi Yagi, Ambassador, Embassy of Japan and Mr. Arunendra Kumar, Chairman, Railway Board and Chairman, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited graced the occasion with their presence.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Yagi assured full support for the project from Government of Japan. Mr. Arunendra Kumar, Chairman, Railway Board and Chairman, DFCCIL expressed confidence in completion of the project on time, so vital to the growth of Indian Railways and Indian economy.