Surat: In a major boost to India’s freight infrastructure, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL) has recently operated its first 25-tonne axle load freight train, marking a significant leap in high-capacity rail logistics and strengthening the country’s heavy-haul capabilities.

The train was operated on the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, transporting steel coils from the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal at New Gothangam in Gujarat to Palwal in Haryana, covering a distance of 1,106 km. The successful run highlights the corridor’s readiness for faster and heavier cargo movement.

Running at a speed of 100 kmph, the 45-wagon train demonstrated a clear improvement over conventional freight services, which typically operate at 60–70 kmph. With higher axle load capacity, each wagon can carry more cargo, significantly enhancing overall freight efficiency and reducing transit time.

The shift from the earlier 22.9-tonne axle load to 25 tonnes allows greater payload per wagon, resulting in an estimated 15–20% increase in carrying capacity. This will enable bulk commodities such as steel, cement, and coal to be transported more efficiently, easing logistics bottlenecks.

The development is expected to strengthen the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan by enabling faster and more cost-effective cargo movement across industrial corridors. Higher-capacity operations are also likely to reduce logistics costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian products.

The successful trial is being seen as a step towards future upgrades to 30-tonne axle load operations, bringing India closer to global heavy-haul freight standards. DeshGujarat