DFCCIL, JNPT hold High-Level Review on Crucial Vaitarna–JNPT Freight Corridor Link

NAVI MUMBAI: In a significant move toward enhancing India’s rail-based cargo movement, Shri Praveen Kumar, Managing Director, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), met senior leadership of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) to review progress on the critical Vaitarna–JNPT section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC).

During the meeting held in Mumbai, Shri Kumar briefed Shri Gaurav Dayal, Chairman, JNPT, and Shri Ravish Kumar Singh, Deputy Chairperson, on the latest status of the soon-to-be-completed section, which is considered pivotal for seamless freight evacuation from the country’s busiest container gateway.

Detailed discussions focused on strengthening end-to-end connectivity between WDFC and JNPT, a linkage expected to transform freight logistics by enabling faster, more efficient, and dedicated rail movement for EXIM cargo. Officials underlined the strategic impact this integration will have on reducing transit time, boosting capacity, and ensuring more reliable freight operations.

Shri Praveen Kumar was accompanied by senior DFCCIL officials, including Shri Anurag Sharma, Director (Infrastructure); Shri Manish Kumar Awasthy, Executive Director (Infrastructure); Shri Sandesh Shrivastava, Executive Director (Project); Shri Vikas Kumar, Chief General Manager (Mumbai); and Shri Arvind Nagar, JGM (OP&BD).

As part of the interaction, the DFCCIL Managing Director also presented the organisation’s Coffee Table Book to the JNPT Chairman, showcasing the corporation’s journey, milestones, and its instrumental role in reshaping India’s freight transportation landscape.

Expressing strong interest in the project, the JNPT Chairman highlighted the far-reaching advantages of this strategic corridor. He noted that the Vaitarna–JNPT connectivity is expected to drive a major modal shift from road to rail, support sustainable logistics, and accelerate the growth of India’s EXIM trade. The improved rail access is also set to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness at JNPT by optimizing capacity and strengthening the cargo-handling ecosystem.

The Vaitarna–JNPT section, once commissioned, will serve as a crucial link in the Western DFC, significantly augmenting freight movement between the hinterland and India’s premier container port.