Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the 1,350 km 'Apex Corridor', a dedicated freight corridor linking Delhi and Mumbai, aimed at providing a significant boost to India's logistics efficiency and economic growth. In a landmark event held in the National Capital Region, the Prime Minister also flagged off the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, introducing a new era of overnight rail travel with advanced features and passenger comfort at the forefront.
The newly inaugurated Apex Corridor is a part of India's flagship Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project, constructed by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL). Spanning approximately 1,350 km, the corridor is designed to handle high-capacity, high-speed freight trains, connecting major industrial hubs between Delhi and Mumbai. The goal is to decongest existing passenger rail lines, reduce logistics costs, and enable faster movement of essential goods such as coal, food grains, and industrial products, accelerating supply chain efficiencies nationwide.
In a connected event, Prime Minister Modi also launched the first Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset, marking a major advancement for Indian Railways. Manufactured by BEML in a record time of nine months, the Vande Bharat Sleeper boasts state-of-the-art features such as fully air-conditioned coaches, modular pantries, security systems, USB charging ports, shower facilities in 1st AC, automatic doors, and enhanced safety standards. The train is designed to deliver a world-class overnight travel experience between major cities, with a top operational speed of 160 kmph and best-in-class amenities for all passengers.
Addressing the audience, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the transformative impact of these infrastructure projects on India’s logistics sector and passenger rail services. He highlighted how dedicated corridors have already boosted the speed and reliability of both freight and passenger train services, indirectly improving daily commutes and promoting economic development. The twin developments reflect the government’s commitment to building next-generation infrastructure, supporting the vision of a developed and globally competitive India.
The inauguration of the Apex Corridor and the Vande Bharat Sleeper train signifies a bold leap towards modernization in India’s transport sector enhancing both the movement of goods and the quality of long-distance train journeys for millions across the country.