AS SOME PARTS of India reeled under massive power outages in April 2022 due to a sharp decline in coal stocks at some of the country’s biggest thermal power plants, one of the government’s recent infrastructure projects—dedicated freight corridors (DFCs)—came to the rescue. Using the DFCs, the government rushed coal from mines in the eastern part of the country to places in the North and West, saving the day. This incident, among others, has firmed up the government’s resolve to expedite work on the under-construction DFCs. In fact, with a substantial part of the work on the DFCs nearing completion by the year-end, the government is examining a proposal to establish a network of such corridors.
But the infrastructure project, with multiple such corridors, has had its fair share of challenges. Conceived in 2006, the project has received five extensions after missing several deadlines in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2022. And in 17 years, the project outlay—initially estimated at ₹21,140 crore—has been enhanced to ₹1.24 lakh crore.
“About 90 per cent of the construction work on the western and eastern dedicated freight corridors will be completed by December 2023,” Ravindra Kumar Jain, MD of Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL), told BT recently. He attributed the slowdown in construction to the pandemic-induced challenges, delays in environmental clearances, illegal encroachments and local agitations holding up land acquisition.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Pension Scheme - Safety Net
The move to introduce the UPS has evoked mixed reactions. Analysts believe its funding will have limited impact on the fiscal math
The Reit Choice?
Real Estate Investment Trusts (Reits) Are Gaining Traction As Interest Rates Stabilise. But Returns Could Be Affected By Adverse Economic Conditions And Market Volatility
CORPORATE - Calling to Account
The sudden exit of Byju's auditor BDO marks the latest in a long series of setbacks for the edtech firm
EMPLOYMENT: Skills Push
The skill development ministry plans to partner with the UGC to improve the employability of undergraduates
Building on a Vision
L&T'S CHAIRMAN EMERITUS A. M. NAIK HAS BUILT A MAMMOTH ENTERPRISE THAT IS BUILDING A NEW INDIA, FROM ITS METRO RAIL SYSTEMS TO THE RAM TEMPLE
"KYS more important than KYC"
Vijay Kedia is a renowned equity investor; the value of his listed portfolio stands at around ₹1,750 crore
ROXX STAR
THE THAR ROXX COMBINES LUXURY WITH PERFORMANCE TO MAKE A STRONG STATEMENT IN THE MID-SIZE SUV SEGMENT
HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
Smartwatches have become indispensable tools for runners, offering real-time insights into pace, distance, heart rate, and more. Here are a few you can consider
TURNING THE TABLES
INDIA'S FURNITURE MARKET IS POISED FOR A GLOBAL TAKE-OFF. ALREADY, A HOST OF GLOBAL BRANDS HAVE MADE THE COUNTRY THEIR HOME, BUT INDIAN COMPANIES ARE NOT TOO FAR BEHIND
THE EVOLUTION OF ATHERA
IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES IN ADVANCE HAS STOOD THIS BENGALURU-BASED VC FUND IN GOOD STEAD. NOW, WITH A HEIGHTENED FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY, IT WANTS TO SUSTAIN THE SUCCESS