Abstract
The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) was established by the Ministry of Railways in response to the growing demand for rail services, particularly for both passengers and freight, and to alleviate the strain on the existing rail infrastructure. The construction of four key routes forming a Golden Quadrilateral, connecting major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, is underway. These corridors are expected to handle a significant majority of India's rail freight, making them crucial for the country's transportation network. Given the extensive scope of these projects, comprehensive assessments have been conducted to understand their impact on various aspects including the economy, society, and the environment. The focus of this report is on the environmental implications of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor's Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) and APL1 projects. The study specifically addresses the JNPT to Dadri and Dankuni to Sonnagar to Ludhiana sections, encompassing key regions such as Khurja, Dadri, Bhaupur, Chamraula, and Kaurara along the EDFC corridor. One critical aspect is the environmental management framework in place, designed to identify potential risks and implement effective mitigation strategies. The areas surrounding the proposed sections are host to vital ecosystems, educational institutions, historical monuments, religious structures, and more, all of which need safeguarding. Given the scale of the projects, the risk of pollution through air, water, soil, and noise is significant. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to mitigate these risks has been adopted. An essential environmental consideration relates to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially given the shift from rail to road freight due to saturation of the existing rail route. This shift has resulted in increased use of diesel and petrol-powered vehicles emitting harmful gases. However, the electrified APL1 section of the EDFC represents a positive step towards reducing GHG emissions. This reduction not only aligns with environmental goals but also provides the Indian Railways (IR) with the opportunity to earn carbon credits, thereby realizing a financial benefit. Additionally, the reduction in harmful emissions contributes to a healthier environment, saving costs associated with pollution-related health issues. To further enhance the environmental benefits, the adoption of advanced technology and increased investment in clean energy for the WDFC and APL1 section would be highly advantageous. By maximizing the positive environmental outcomes, these projects can contribute more significantly to India's sustainable development.