India has overtaken the U.S. and Russia to become the world’s second-largest rail freight carrier, transporting 1.6 billion tonnes of goods in FY 2024–25.

This milestone is driven by the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) — over 2,800 km of fully electrified, high-capacity lines that handle 300+ freight trains daily. With trains running at 50–60 km/h, DFCs have doubled freight speed, cut congestion, and enabled a major shift from road to rail.

The Eastern and Western DFCs are nearing full completion, strengthening industrial supply chains and export logistics.

Beyond efficiency, DFCs are spurring regional economic growth, creating logistics hubs, and supporting India’s net-zero 2070 sustainability target through cleaner, faster, and more reliable rail operations.