MD, DFCCIL conducts comprehensive inspection of EDFC section ahead of Magh Mela

NEW DELHI : Shri Praveen Kumar, Managing Director, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), conducted a comprehensive inspection of the New Manauri–New Durgaoti section of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) on 27 December 2025. The inspection was carried out by rail car, accompanied by senior officials from DFCCIL’s Corporate Office as well as the Prayagraj and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) units.

The visit focused on operational preparedness during the winter season, particularly in view of dense fog conditions and the significant increase in passenger movement expected during the Magh Mela. The Magh Mela, one of India’s largest religious congregations, attracts millions of devotees annually and places immense pressure on regional transport infrastructure, especially rail operations.

During the inspection, Shri Praveen Kumar emphasized the need for strict adherence to safety and operational protocols to ensure seamless freight movement while effectively accommodating heightened passenger traffic. He reiterated the importance of aligning operations with Railway Board directives, underlining DFCCIL’s commitment to safe, efficient, and coordinated rail operations during periods of peak demand and low visibility.

Detailed discussions were held with senior officers, including the CGMs from Prayagraj and DDU units, AGM/Operations & Business Development (EDFC), DRM Prayagraj, and AGM (NCR). Key focus areas included optimization of train operations, preventive maintenance strategies, coordination with passenger rail services, and enhanced safety measures during fog-prone conditions.

The inspection was attended by senior officers of DFCCIL, including Shri Sandesh Srivastava, Executive Director (Projects); Shri A. S. Tomar, Group General Manager (S&T); Shri A. B. Saran, Chief General Manager (Prayagraj); Shri Ashish Mishra, General Manager (Security); Shri Shashikant Dwivedi, General Manager (Electrical); and Shri Mannu Prakash Dubey, AGM (Operations & Business Development/EDFC). Senior representatives from Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, and Signal & Telecommunication departments were also present.

The inspection reaffirmed DFCCIL’s proactive approach towards ensuring operational resilience, safety, and coordination during major public events, while maintaining the efficiency and reliability of dedicated freight operations on the EDFC