 Early Times Report
NEW DELHI, Jan 17: With the objective of developing logistics infrastructure in line with international standards, a two-day high-level coordination meeting between the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPT), and Western Railway concluded on Thursday.
The discussions primarily focused on the plan to connect the remaining Vaitarna-JNPT section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) to Jawaharlal Nehru Port. Once this section becomes operational, JNPT will be connected to the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) network, linking the port with various states across the country. This is expected to significantly enhance the rail-based cargo handling capacity of the container port, accelerate freight movement, and further reduce logistics costs.
At the meeting held on Wednesday, 14 January, DFCCIL's Director (Operations & Business Development), Shri Shobhit Bhatnagar, and JNPT's Deputy Chairman, Ravish Kumar Singh (IRTS), held discussions and visited JNPT Port. The progress of the Vaitarna-JNPT section, the strategic importance of port connectivity, and its long-term impact were deliberated upon during the visit.
JNPT officials stated that this connectivity would provide fresh momentum to import-export (EXIM) trade and increase cargo handling capacity. It would also strengthen the global competitiveness of Indian ports.
On Thursday, 15 January, Shobhit Bhatnagar held a meeting with Western Railway's Principal Chief Operations Manager (PCOM) V.A. Malegaonkar, Chief Freight Transportation Manager (CFTM) Narendra Panwar, and Divisional Railway Manager, Mumbai Central Division, Pankaj Singh. The discussions covered key aspects such as progress of works, crew arrangements, train management and operations, as well as safety and security issues.
Connecting JNPT to the WDFC is expected to be a significant milestone for India's rail-based logistics sector. It will promote a "modal shift" of freight from road to rail, leading to fuel savings and reduced environmental pollution. With rail transport being safer and more cost-effective, industries are expected to benefit directly.
During the meetings and site visits, several senior officials were present, including Deputy Executive Director and Terminal Head Shri Ashwin Arvind Singh, Manager Shri Venkateshwar Chaturvedi, Jaideep Kadam, Ashwini S. Sudarshan. |
