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48METRO RAIL NEWS -AUGUST 2025 www.metrorailnews.in DEDICATED FREIGHT CORRIDORS: STRENGTHENING INDIA%u2019S SUPPLY CHAINAbstractOver the past decade, India has risen from the 11th to the 4th largest economy globally, which reflects the country%u2019s sustained economic growth and its increasing role in the global economic landscape. According to current projections, India is expected to become the thirdlargest economy by 2030, with a GDP of approximately $7.3 trillion. This growth is being supported by improvements in supply chain infrastructure, which continues to adapt to the increasing demands of the logistics sector.In 2024, India%u2019s logistics market generated an estimated revenue of USD 228.4 billion and is projected to reach USD 357.3 billion by 2030. Between 2025 and 2030, the sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%.India transports approximately 6.3 billion tonnes of freight annually, with the volume of freight movement increasing at an average annual rate of 6% since 2014. Despite these developments, logistics costs in India have remained high, estimated at 14-8% of GDP, compared to the global average of around 8%.The freight transport sector is dominated by road, which carries about 65% of the total volume, followed by rail at 26%. The remaining 9% is managed through coastal shipping, inland waterways. However, the dominance of road transport in freight movement has contributed to higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and elevated logistics costs. In contrast, rail transport offers a more energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative for moving large volumes of goods over long distances.ARTICLE