Maharashtra News: Dedicated Freight Corridor Operations Set To Begin In Palghar, Connecting Western Railway For Direct Freight Movement
Palghar, Maharashtra: The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) is set to begin operations in the Palghar district. All necessary work for freight train operations from New Umbergaon (Sanjaan) in Gujarat to Safale, as well as the connection of the DFC to Western Railway, was completed on Friday night. This paves the way for direct freight train movement from Safale to Delhi, ending years of anticipation.
Preparations were underway to operationalize the Palghar district section of the DFC before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, the inauguration did not take place, and efforts to operationalize the freight corridor resumed after the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
In mid-February, preparations were in full swing to open the route for freight traffic. However, the closure of railway crossings at Safale and Navali (Palghar) faced local resistance, causing delays.
The railway crossing at Safale was permanently closed on the midnight of March 31, and the Navali crossing was closed on the midnight of April 10. Following this, a special six-hour block was taken on the Western Railway line from midnight yesterday (April 11) to connect the DFC line to the existing Western Railway tracks, south of Safale station.
During this block, a bow-string shaped iron girder was also installed over the DFC and Western Railway tracks at the Navali crossing for the construction of a flyover. This has removed the obstacles in the way of starting freight train operations on the DFC route. The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) has expressed its gratitude to the citizens for their cooperation in making this railway line operational.
Signal System to be Activated
With the completion of the track, work is now underway to activate the signaling system for freight train movement from the DFC to the Western Railway line. DFC officials indicate that this work will be completed within a few hours, after which freight train traffic is expected to commence on the route.
Trial Run Completed
A trial run of a DFC engine was successfully conducted between Safale and New Umbergaon (Sanjaan) after midnight. This has cleared the path for direct freight train services from Safale to Delhi. Freight trains from Western Railway heading towards Mumbai and southern destinations will now run on this dedicated freight corridor. Initially, an estimated minimum of 20 freight trains will operate in both the up and down directions. This will increase the capacity of passenger train routes and reduce travel time for freight trains.
Navali Flyover Work to be Completed Before June
With the girder installation at the Navali railway crossing now complete, the remaining work related to railway management is targeted for completion by June. This includes erecting another girder on the approach road to the flyover and completing other asphalting work. Railway officials have assured that the railway administration is working to make the Navali flyover available to citizens as soon as possible.
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