Maha Kumbh Mela Boosts Freight Operations On Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor

The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is giving a significant boost to freight operations on the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), which began services in November 2023.

To manage traffic efficiently and prioritize passenger train operations for the millions of devotees, the Indian Railways has diverted freight trains, typically running on the conventional railway network, to the EDFC.

The 45-day-long Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, is expected to attract between 400 million and 450 million devotees. Indian Railways has diverted freight trains as a temporary measure to reduce congestion on the heavily trafficked rail routes during this period.

Maha Kumbh First-Time Freight Operations On EDFC

This marks the first time Indian Railways has diverted freight operations from the conventional railway network to the EDFC. A senior official from the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL) explained that they conceptualized the EDFC to ease freight movement by redirecting traffic from the Indian Railways network.

“Over 80% of North Central Railways’ freight trains are now operating on the EDFC during the Kumbh Mela,” the official added.

DFCCIL has also set up a track access arrangement with Indian Railways, where the latter pays a fee to use the EDFC network. This collaboration enables smoother operations for both freight and passenger services during the high-demand period of the Mela.

Though most of the diverted freight trains are now operating on the EDFC, they will still use feeder lines to connect to the Indian Railways network for offloading and picking up cargo. Key commodities being transported via these diverted trains include coal, fertilizers, food grains, steel coils, limestone, and granite.

Temporary Measure To Address Congestion

The Indian Railways has diverted freight to the EDFC as a temporary solution to relieve congestion on the Kumbh Mela route, one of the most congested stretches of its network.

Indian Railways officials are closely monitoring the situation and adjusting operations on a day-to-day basis. “We implemented the diversion to address immediate traffic needs during the Mela,” said Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board.

Currently, most diverted trains operate from Deen Dayal Upadhyaya to Khurja Junction on the EDFC, ensuring the smooth transport of critical freight without impeding passenger services.

Key Developments In EDFC Connectivity

In 2024, officials strengthened the connectivity between the EDFC and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) by inaugurating the route between New Khurja Junction and New Rewari Junction.

This new alignment enhances connectivity between the two corridors, facilitating better freight movement across northern India. The EDFC is fully operational, and officials expect to complete the WDFC by the end of 2025.

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