Dedicated freight corridors Can Add Rs 160 Bn to India's GDP

29 Oct 2024 CW Team

In a recent study conducted by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia, India’s Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are projected to boost the country’s GDP by Rs 160 billion.

The findings, shared by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), highlight the transformative economic impact of the corridors, particularly the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC).

The operationalisation of the WDFC has significantly reduced freight costs and travel times, leading to commodity price reductions of up to 0.5 per cent, DFCCIL reported.

Furthermore, the study indicates that DFCs have contributed to 2.94 % of the revenue growth achieved by Indian Railways between the fiscal years 2018–19 and 2022–23, with over 10 % of India’s rail freight now managed through DFC routes. The DFC network, spanning 2,843 km and passing through 56 districts across seven states, is nearing completion at 96.4 % as of October 2024.

The Eastern DFC (EDFC), stretching 1,337 km from Ludhiana to Sonnagar, is fully operational, while the WDFC, covering 1,506 km from Dadri to Mumbai, is 93.2 % complete.

These corridors connect key industrial hubs, including coal mines, thermal power plants, cement factories, and large ports such as Mundra, Kandla, Pipavav, and Hazira.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..