Prayagraj- Shri Pradeep Kumar Ojha, Executive Director/Traffic Transportation (F), Railway Board, conducted an inspection of the Operation Control Centre (OCC) in Prayagraj. During the visit, he reviewed and discussed several operational matters concerning the day-to-day functioning over the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), particularly focusing on the coordination required with Eastern Central Railway (ECR), North Central Railway (NCR) and Northern Railway (NR) for efficient train reception.
The freight train operations have witnessed remarkable growth, especially following the diversion of all freight traffic during MAHAKUMBH-2025. Since January 10, 2025, the EDFC has handled an average of 151 freight trains daily from ECR and NCR during the months of January 25, February 25, and March 25. A historic milestone was achieved on March 31, 2025, when 191 trains were received from ECR and NCR in a single day.
The Railway Board has set a new target of 221 million tonnes of freight loading for ECR in the financial year 2025–26, aimed at boosting revenue through originating freight traffic. In FY 2024–25, Indian Railways achieved a loading figure of 1,617.38 million tonnes, and an enhanced target of 1,702.50 million tonnes has been set for FY 2025–26.
To meet these ambitious targets, various modalities and operational strategies were deliberated during the inspection, with emphasis on close inter-zonal coordination between ECR ,NCR and NR. A new target running of average 200 trains is envisaged during the meeting.
Shri Ojha also reviewed new opportunities anticipated in 2025, including freight movement to and from key installations such as Jawaharlal Thermal Power Station (Etah), Ghatampur Thermal Power Station, Khurja Super Thermal Power Station (TKGD), and the SOMNA Cement Plant. These also include of siding connectivity in WDFC at New Pachar Malikpur Station, New Saphale Station and last mile connectivity of JNPT.
During the inspection, the Executive Director examined several advanced technological systems deployed in train operations. These included real-time train tracking through DFIS, performance reports, the Hot Axle Box Detector, Online Monitoring of Rolling Stock (OMRS), and the Machine Vision Inspection System (MVIS). He expressed satisfaction with the performance and reliability of these systems, recognizing their critical role in ensuring safe and efficient train operations.
Shri Ojha was accompanied during the inspection by Shri Devendra Singh, Chief General Manager, Prayagraj; Shri Mannu Prakash Dubey, Additional General Manager (Operations & Business Development), EDFC; Shri Vivek, Deputy General Manager (Mechanical), Prayagraj, and Deputy Project Manager Traffic Shri Brijesh Smith along with officials from DFCCIL who assisted throughout the visit.
To Achieve New Targets and running of average 200 trains in EDFC, EDTT(F) Railway Board Inspects Operation Control Centre, Prayagraj
