DFCCIL : India–Japan collaboration strengthens as WDFC’s Vaitarna–JNPT section nears completion

MUMBAI : As the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) moves closer to the full commissioning of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), a significant milestone was achieved with the joint inspection of the Vaitarna–JNPT section by delegates from the Government of Japan and DFCCIL officials.

The inspection marks a crucial step towards operationalizing seamless freight connectivity to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), India’s largest container gateway. With WDFC connectivity to JNPT nearing completion, the long-envisioned objective of faster, efficient, and reliable cargo movement between the port and the northern hinterland is set to become a reality.

More than a technical review, the visit symbolized the enduring partnership and shared commitment between India and Japan in building world-class freight infrastructure. The WDFC project, supported through Indo-Japanese cooperation, is poised to significantly enhance logistics efficiency, reduce transit time, lower freight costs, and strengthen India’s global trade competitiveness.

Following the successful inspection, delegates from the Government of Japan and DFCCIL visited JNPT, where they were joined by representatives of PSA International (Port of Singapore Authority – PSA). The visit underscored the strategic importance of dedicated freight connectivity in supporting port-led development and boosting container throughput at JNPT.

The Japanese delegation was led by Mr. Kawakami Masahiro, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan, and Mr. Koji Yagi, Consulate General, Embassy of Japan. The DFCCIL delegation was led by Mr. H. G. Tiwari, Chief General Manager/Mumbai, and Mr. S. K. Negi, Consultant/PD, along with senior officers from the Mumbai Unit.

Once fully commissioned, the WDFC will provide high-capacity, high-speed freight movement along the western corridor, connecting major industrial hubs to key ports. The Vaitarna–JNPT link is expected to play a transformative role in decongesting existing rail routes and accelerating multimodal logistics integration.

This milestone reinforces India’s commitment to infrastructure modernization through global partnerships, further anchoring the nation’s vision of efficient, sustainable, and future-ready freight transport systems.