Ahmedabad, Aug 8 (NationPress) The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), a government-owned entity under the Ministry of Railways, has marked a notable milestone by successfully commissioning its Ahmedabad Unit on Friday.

This achievement signifies a pivotal advancement in the nation’s railway infrastructure — the Dedicated Freight Corridor Project, which has been recognized as an 'iconic project' by the government.

The centerpiece of this accomplishment is the inauguration of a modern Operations Command Centre (OCC) at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, which now functions as the operational hub for the entire 1,506 km Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) encompassing Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

Asia’s Largest Rail Operations Control Facility

Occupying 3.07 acres with a constructed area of 12,867 sq. metres, the Sabarmati OCC represents advanced technology and top-tier infrastructure. The core of this facility features a 72-metre curved real-time monitoring video wall — one of the largest in Asia — allowing comprehensive oversight of train positions, track configurations, overhead power supply systems, and safety metrics throughout the WDFC.

The control room itself covers 1,480 square metres, and is outfitted with two dedicated War Rooms and a Disaster Management Room, ensuring prompt actions during emergencies. Features such as automated alarms for hot axle detection and AI-ready systems deliver an unparalleled level of operational safety and efficiency.

Sustainable and Future-Ready Infrastructure

Aligned with India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, the facility integrates eco-friendly building elements like rooftop solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. The current solar capacity is 80 kW, with an additional 50 kW planned, promoting energy independence. Remarkably, the rainwater harvesting system has successfully retained monsoon water for the last two years without any wastage.

Strategic New Sanand Connectivity

A recent milestone in WDFC operations is the introduction of New Sanand connectivity, a strategic link that introduces India’s first large-scale rail-over-rail flyovers. This engineering feat facilitates uninterrupted freight movement across all corners of the country. The extension of the Palanpur–New Makarpura section directly links critical ports like Mundra, Kandla, Tuna, Navlakhi, and Pipavav to the dedicated network — reducing transit times from 24–36 hours to less than a day.

Game-Changer for Indian Logistics

According to Manish Awasthy, Chief General Manager, DFCCIL, Ahmedabad: “The Operations Command Centre at Ahmedabad is the heartbeat of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. From here, we oversee the movement of longer, faster trains at speeds of up to 100 kmph, manage double-stack container operations, and maximize efficiency in linking India’s busiest ports with its industrial hubs.”

The WDFC is designed to function without manned level crossings, significantly improving safety and speed. This corridor now allows for 1.5–2 round trips for port-bound trains in the time that one trip previously required. Consequently, there is less congestion on passenger lines, quicker turnaround times for freight, and substantially reduced logistics costs.

Direct Benefits to Industry

Industries in Palanpur, Mehsana, Sanand, Vadodara, Jamnagar, and surrounding areas are expected to benefit immediately from enhanced freight speed and reliability. The corridor also enables high-speed cargo services for MSMEs, e-commerce platforms, and time-sensitive industries. For instance, New Rewari–New Sanand freight trains can now complete their journey in under 11 hours, decreasing reliance on road transport and enhancing last-mile delivery efficiency.

The WDFC accommodates double-stack container trains and NMG small cargo trains, providing a significant advantage for industries handling high-volume or compact cargo shipments.

Iconic Project for a New Era in Freight

The Dedicated Freight Corridor Project comprises the 1,337 km Eastern DFC (EDFC) and the 1,506 km Western DFC (WDFC), with 96.4 percent of the total 2,741 km already operational. Once fully functional, these corridors will revolutionize freight movement in India, boosting exports, minimizing carbon emissions, and delivering considerable savings in transport time and costs.

With the establishment of the Sabarmati OCC, DFCCIL has not only created a world-class operational center but also set a standard for future freight infrastructure in Asia.