DFCCIL and JSW Murbe Port seek to boost freight efficiency by linking the Western Corridor to new maritime gateways.
The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India and JSW Murbe Port have engaged in strategic discussions to establish a direct rail link. This collaboration aims to integrate the upcoming port facilities with the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor to streamline national logistics.
The meeting focused on the technical and commercial feasibility of developing rail sidings and cargo terminals. The proposed infrastructure will connect the maritime gateway to specific points on the freight corridor, specifically between the New Palghar and New Saphale stations.
This initiative is being spearheaded under the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal policy. By aligning with this framework, the project seeks to:
- Accelerate cargo evacuation: Enable the rapid movement of bulk and containerised freight from the coast to the northern hinterlands.
- Optimise supply chains: Utilise the high-capacity Western Dedicated Freight Corridor to reduce transit times and lower overall transport expenses.
- Policy synergy: Leverage government guidelines to encourage industrial participation in building essential national infrastructure.
The integration of the greenfield site at Murbe with the dedicated rail network is expected to transform the industrial landscape of the Palghar region. As the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor nears its full operational status in 2026, such connections are vital for ensuring that new maritime hubs can handle high volumes without overstretching existing road networks.
By securing this rail link early in the port’s development phase, the stakeholders are positioning the facility as a primary alternative for trade moving through the Maharashtra and Gujarat corridors.
SOURCE – MARITIME GATEWAY
