JNPA explores DFC links to speed up container evacuation

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) Chairman Gaurav Dayal and Deputy Chairman Ravish Singh inspected key railway infrastructure and logistics hubs along the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) route to explore ways to speed up container evacuation from the port to Bhiwandi.

The delegation visited the newly developed Kharbhav Railway Station to assess its operational potential for DFC connectivity. JNPA said integrating Kharbhav with the freight network could help streamline the movement of containerised cargo from the port to major consumption and distribution hubs in Bhiwandi, reducing transit times and road congestion.

The officials also visited the Bhiwandi Warehousing Hub to assess supply chain capacity, last-mile logistics efficiency and storage readiness.

The inspection concluded with a visit to the New Nilanje Railway Station, where the delegation assessed its potential to become an additional freight node in the expanding rail-freight network.

“Efficient multimodal connectivity is the backbone of modern port operations. By maximising the potential of the Dedicated Freight Corridor through strategic rail nodes like Kharbhav and Nilanje, JNPA aims to offer seamless, faster, and environmentally sustainable container evacuation routes directly to key commercial clusters like Bhiwandi,” Dayal said.

Singh said shifting a higher share of container traffic from road to rail is important to reduce logistics costs and turnaround times.

“Our joint assessments today reinforce our commitment to building resilient hinterland connectivity that supports the growth of trade and industry,” he said.

The initiative is aligned with JNPA’s broader mandate under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan to promote integrated infrastructure development, improve operational efficiency and strengthen its position as India’s premier container port.