Gorakhpur,

14 Jan (HS): In a significant initiative aimed at bridging the gap between

academic learning and large-scale infrastructure development, Prayagraj team

from Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) visited

Madan Mohan Malviya University of Technology (MMMUT), Gorakhpur, to share the

knowledge of advance technology and practices used in the construction and

operation of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs).

This

initiative is part of a broader vision to inculcate advanced technical know-how

among students of technical institutions and universities. The decision was

taken following deliberations between the Governor of Uttar Pradesh and the Managing

Director of DFCCIL, Praveen Kumar. It was resolved that the advanced

technologies, specialised machinery, and innovative construction practices used

in the development of Dedicated Freight Corridors should be disseminated among

engineering students, enabling them to gain exposure to real-world applications

and encouraging institutions to facilitate field-level practical training.

As

a first step towards implementing this vision, the DFCCIL Prayagraj team, led

by Chief General Manager A. B. Saran, organised an “Exclusive Interaction

Programme” on the theme “Transforming Transportation” at MMMUT. The programme

focused on showcasing the state-of-the-art technologies adopted by DFCCIL

across civil, electrical, signalling & telecommunication, and mechanical

engineering disciplines with its outcome results in train operations.

During

the technical deliberations, the DFCCIL team provided comprehensive insights

into civil engineering machinery and construction methodologies, including

mechanised track laying using the New Track Construction (NTC) machine,

advanced earthwork and formation technologies, and fast-paced construction

techniques. Detailed discussions were held on bridge design, special features

of DFC turnouts vis-à-vis Indian Railways turnouts, rail destressing using hydraulic

pullers, the use of Continuous Welded Rails (CWR), and the functioning of rail

handling depots.

From

the electrical engineering perspective, students were introduced to advanced

equipment and systems such as NTC (for track laying), Auger Machines (TESCAR),

Rail cum Road Vehicles (RRVs) including Palfinger and Colmar units, GEISMAR

mast grabbers, and auto-tensioning wire machines etc. The session also covered

auto fault detection systems, design of cantilevers using indigenous

components, 2×25 kV traction system and its advantages, key technical

specifications of traction substations, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data

Acquisition) systems, OHE earth clamps, and Gas Insulated Substations (GIS).

In

the domain of Signalling and Telecommunication, the DFCCIL team elaborated on

the Train Management System integrated with Video Wall Systems, enabling

real-time monitoring and live tracking of trains with unique identification

numbers. Advanced safety and communication technologies such as Multi-Section

Digital Axle Counters, GSM-R communication, Train Protection and Warning

Systems(KAVACH), and the role of Auto Location Huts in modern signalling

architecture were also discussed in detail. From

a mechanical engineering standpoint, students were acquainted with cutting-edge

monitoring and diagnostic systems used to ensure rolling stock health and

safety. These included the Machine Vision Inspection System, Hot Axle Box

Detectors (HABD), and Wheel Impact Load Devices (WILD), highlighting their

critical role in predictive maintenance and operational reliability.

The

DFCCIL team also highlighted the transformational role of the Eastern Dedicated

Freight Corridor (EDFC) in India’s logistics and transportation landscape.

Following its successful commissioning and the transfer of nearly 100% freight

traffic to EDFC, the corridor has demonstrated remarkable operational capacity.

Notably, during the commencement of Magh Mela-2026, EDFC achieved a historic

milestone by operating 525 trains on 12 January 2026, surpassing its previous

record of 508 trains run on 30 March 2025. This achievement underscores the

corridor’s enhanced capability and scalability for future freight demand.

The

programme was conducted in the presence of distinguished faculty members,

including Prof. Vijay Kumar Dwivedi (Training & Placement Coordinator), Dr.

Anil Pal (Assistant Professor, Electrical), Dr. Vinay (Assistant Professor,

Civil Engineering), Dr. Rajan Mishra (Associate Professor, Electrical), Dr.

Pallav Gupta (Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering), and Sukanya Pandey

(Training Coordinator). The event was ably hosted by Ajay Madhesia, a

third-year Mechanical Engineering student.

Senior

DFCCIL officials, including A. B. Saran, Chief General Manager; A. S. Tomar,

GGM/S&T/CO; Ashish Mishra, GM/Security/EDFC; Mannu Prakash Dubey,

AGM/OP&BD/EDFC; Rajnath Singh, Dy. Project Manager/Electrical/Prayagraj;

and Bhuvnesh Pandey, JPM/Civil/Prayagraj, delivered detailed presentations on

their respective domains. The session was held in the esteemed presence of

Prof. Jai Prakash Saini, Vice-Chancellor of MMMUT. The interaction programme

was highly appreciated by faculty and students alike, marking a meaningful step

toward industry–academia collaboration and inspiring future engineers to

contribute to nation-building through advanced infrastructure development. More

than 250 students participated in the event. 

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi