Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the Japan-aided 306-km Rewari-Madar section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor section and said the modern freight corridor is a "game-changer" for India in the 21st century and it will prove to be a corridor for the rapid development of the country.  He hailed Japan's role in the construction of Dedicated Freight Corridor and said, "Throughout India's development journey, Japan and its people have stood by us like a trustworthy friend."

Modi also virtually flagged off the world's first Double Stack Long Haul 1.5 km Container Train between Haryana's new Ateli and Rajasthan's New Kishangarh.

Japanese Ambassador to India Satoshi Suzuki also attended the event. .

Speaking on the occasion, Modi said, "The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project is being seen as a game changer in the 21st century for India. A big chunk of the project has been dedicated to the nation."

"Whether it is the Eastern or Western DFC, this is not only for modern freight trains and advanced freight route, but this is a corridor for the rapid development of the country and it will become the foundation for the new growth centre," Modi said.

"Same work will be done by WDFC in Haryana, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. This corridor will prove a milestone for the businesses in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan," he said.

"When the beginning of the year is good, then the coming days will be much better. The number of inaugurations and new foundation laying is important because India has done all these during the Covid pandemic. India also approved two Made-in-India Covid vaccines and has brought self confidence," he said.

The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) has been set up as a Special Purpose Vehicle to plan, develop, mobilise financial resources, construct, maintain and operate the DFCs. In the first phase, the organisation will construct the Western DFC (1,504 kms) and Eastern DFC (1,856 kms), a total of 3,360 kms.

According to railway ministry officials, to make India a five-trillion-dollar economy it is essential to develop transport networks at a fast pace. Development of transport infrastructure will give a major fillip for the growth of industries, commerce, export and import and agriculture.

(IANS)