Using latest tech in freight corridor project: Railways

NEW DELHI: Induction of cutting-edge rail technology seems to be the hallmark of the dedicated freight corridor (DFC) with several state-of-the-art systems being acquired for the ambitious Rs 80,000-crore project.

Track-side train machine, locomotive communication system and thermal imaging cameras are going to be integral to the DFC operation, said Railway Board Member Alok Johri.

New technology like thermal imaging camera in track-side equipment will be used to detect defects in bogies and wagons. The camera will capture images of any damaged components in wagons and tracks and transmit the same to loco pilots.

The 1,760-km long Eastern DFC and 1,468-km Western DFC corridors are being constructed for exclusive freight movement and the project is expected to boost economic growth.

Speaking here at a seminar organised by Assocham, Johri said that high horsepower locomotives, new design wagons and double stack containers will be operational on the DFC.

Johri said work is going on and the targeted year of completion is 2018 for the Eastern Corridor.

On the scope for private participation, Johri said there are adequate avenues for industries to participate in the DFC project.

Railway Board Chairman Arunendra Kumar said, "The initial cost of DFC was estimated to be at around Rs 27,000 crore, but now it has touched over Rs 80,000 crore in the span of 5-6 years due to various genuine reasons.

"Indian Railways and DFC are focusing on the common man as per the directions of the Prime Minister. DFC is one of the goals for achieving the common man's objective of reduced transportation costs."

He further said, "The bottom line is that if DFC does well we will get more corridors and get more money and it will bring down costs and enhance the technological levels of rail operation."