DFCCIL launches State-of-the-Art operations hub in Ahmedabad
AHMEDABAD : The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), under the Ministry of Railways, has fully commissioned its Ahmedabad Unit, marking a major milestone in India’s railway infrastructure journey. This achievement is part of the Dedicated Freight Corridor Project, recognised as an ‘iconic project’ by the government.
At the heart of this milestone is the Operations Command Centre (OCC) at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, now serving as the operational hub for the entire 1,506 km Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) spanning Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Asia’s Largest Rail Operations Hub
The Sabarmati OCC covers 3.07 acres with a built-up area of 12,867 sq. metres. Its central feature is a 72-metre curved real-time monitoring video wall, one of the largest in Asia, enabling full oversight of train positions, track layouts, overhead power systems, and safety parameters. The 1,480 sq. metre control room includes two War Rooms and a Disaster Management Room, ensuring rapid response during emergencies. Advanced systems, including AI-ready monitoring and automated hot axle alarms, enhance operational efficiency and safety.
Sustainable and Future-Ready Design
Aligned with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, the OCC incorporates green building features, including rooftop solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. The current solar capacity stands at 80 kW, with 50 kW more planned, ensuring energy self-reliance, while the rainwater system has conserved monsoon water over the last two years.
Enhanced Connectivity with New Sanand Link
The project also launched New Sanand connectivity, India’s first large-scale rail-over-rail flyover system, enabling seamless freight movement. The Palanpur–New Makarpura section links key ports, including Mundra, Kandla, Tuna, Navlakhi, and Pipavav, reducing transit times from 24–36 hours to under 24 hours.
Boost to Indian Logistics and Industry.
Manish Awasthy, Chief General Manager, DFCCIL, Ahmedabad, said: “The Sabarmati OCC is the heartbeat of the WDFC. We now manage longer, faster trains at speeds up to 100 kmph, handle double-stack container operations, and maximise efficiency linking India’s ports to industrial hubs.” The corridor, with no manned level crossings, allows 1.5–2 round trips in the time previously required for one, reducing congestion, speeding freight turnaround, and lowering logistics costs.
Industries in Palanpur, Mehsana, Sanand, Vadodara, and Jamnagar are expected to benefit immediately. The corridor supports double-stack container trains and NMG small cargo trains, aiding MSMEs, e-commerce platforms, and time-sensitive sectors. For instance, New Rewari–New Sanand freight trains now complete journeys in under 11 hours, reducing road transport reliance and improving last-mile delivery.
Transforming Freight in India
The Dedicated Freight Corridor Project, comprising the 1,337 km Eastern DFC (EDFC) and the 1,506 km WDFC, is 96.4 per cent commissioned. Once fully operational, these corridors will revolutionise freight movement, boost exports, reduce carbon emissions, and deliver significant savings in transport time and cost.
With the Sabarmati OCC, DFCCIL has established a world-class freight operations hub and set a benchmark for freight infrastructure in Asia.