New Delhi: In an effort to fast-track completion of crucial rail infrastructure projects, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation (DFCC) has tied up with Sojitz- L&T for the electrification of the 925 km-long Western Dedicated Freight Corridor track between Rewari and Vadodara.

Funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the largest single railway electrification work in India so far involving traction power supply, over head equipment (OHE) and other related work is estimated to cost Rs 2,582 crore.

"The work is likely to commence next month and will take almost four years for completion," a senior DFC official, said, adding, "the most advanced technology will be utilised in the electrification work."

The OHE are meant for Double Stack Container operation expected to be on this route. The Western DFC is a 1,500km-long freight corridor linking national capital Delhi to Mumbai, the nation's main commercial hub.

DFC is crucial for railways as it aims to decongest the existing line by taking the load of the majority of freight movement from the route.

DFCC, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), is engaged in planning, construction, operation and maintenance of the dedicated freight corridors. In the first phase, the two corridors, namely, Eastern Corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni (1839 kms) and the Western Corridor from Dadri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) (1499 kms) are being constructed.

While the entire Western Corridor is being funded by JICA, the Eastern Corridor from Mughalsarai to Ludhiana is being funded by the World Bank.

Source: IBN