New Delhi: The Union Budget 2026, in a major push for infrastructure-led growth, has proposed the Dankuni–Surat Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) connecting West Bengal and Gujarat. On February 3, 2026, Praveen Kumar, Managing Director of DFCCIL, chaired a high-level meeting to review end-to-end preparedness for the project.

Key aspects discussed included the financing strategy, contract methodology, readiness of the Detailed Project Report (already in place), signalling and electrification systems, and the adoption of advanced DFC-standard technologies.

These technologies include double-stack container operations, longer loop lengths, 2×25 kV traction systems, 32.5-tonne axle loads, Centralised Traffic Control (CTC), KAWACH safety systems, in-line turnout sleepers, high-speed canted turnouts, and future-ready yards for rapid integration of PM Gati Shakti cargo terminals, along with higher Schedule of Dimensions. The meeting also stressed expediting land acquisition and securing statutory environmental clearances to accelerate project execution.

Discussions further highlighted integration with the PM Gati Shakti initiative, including linkage with Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals, Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs), and identification of business capture areas to maximise freight potential.

Drawing on DFCCIL’s proven experience from the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors—where nearly 4% of the rail network carries about 13% of India’s gross tonne-kilometres (GTKM), with more than 440 trains operating daily—the organisation is considered institutionally and technically prepared to take forward the Dankuni–Surat DFC.

DFCCIL aims to deliver India’s next strategic freight corridor and further enable logistics-led economic growth. DeshGujarat