India鈥檚 freight transport infrastructure has reached a major milestone with the successful installation of its longest rail flyover girder by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) at Kalamboli, Maharashtra.
This significant engineering feat is part of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), a 1,500-kilometre initiative designed to modernise the country鈥檚 logistics network. The girder, an open-web steel structure measuring 110.5 metres in length and weighing 1,500 tonnes, was installed without disrupting operations on the live Indian Railways track below鈥攄emonstrating exceptional precision and technical expertise.
In a first-of-its-kind operation, the girder was manoeuvred 34 metres across active tracks using advanced heavy-lifting equipment. This achievement not only showcases India鈥檚 growing engineering capabilities but also marks progress in its shift towards high-capacity, sustainable freight movement.
Once operational, the Kalamboli rail flyover will enhance connectivity between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)鈥攐ne of India鈥檚 busiest ports鈥攁nd key industrial hubs across Maharashtra. The improved link is expected to accelerate cargo movement, cut transit times, and bolster the region鈥檚 logistics efficiency.
As part of the broader WDFC strategy, the flyover contributes to India鈥檚 effort to reduce its carbon footprint by shifting freight from road to rail鈥攁n inherently cleaner, more energy-efficient mode of transport. The use of open-web girders also ensures durability and reduced maintenance, aligning with the need for climate-resilient infrastructure in India鈥檚 fast-developing regions.
With rising demand for efficient and green logistics, the Kalamboli flyover stands as a key element in building a modern freight network. DFCCIL鈥檚 work not only signals India鈥檚 ability to deliver world-class infrastructure but also underscores its commitment to sustainable development. This project represents a crucial step in transforming the logistics landscape and reinforcing India鈥檚 position as a global leader in freight rail innovation.
Image source:mypunepulse
