With Jawaharlal Nehru Port set to be fully connected to the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) in March, rivalry with Mundra Port is poised to intensify. While the DFC link is expected to enhance JN Port’s rail connectivity, industry stakeholders are divided on whether it can significantly claw back cargo from Mundra, which already enjoys double-stack connectivity via the DFC network.
Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) believes the direct DFC connection—without feeder routes—will enable assured transit time trains between the National Capital Region (NCR) and JN Port, improving efficiency and attracting cargo back from Gujarat ports. The rail hauler, which holds around 60% share of JN Port’s rail traffic, expects over 15% annual EXIM growth for the next three years and targets ₹15,000 crore revenue by FY29, driven by higher rail volumes and deployment of high-capacity 25-tonne axle load wagons on the DFC.
However, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) maintains that while DFC connectivity will improve JN Port’s efficiency, it will not materially impact Mundra’s business. Mundra retains a distance advantage of over 300 km from NCR, translating into ₹3,000–4,000 lower haulage per container, besides faster transit times and deeper draft for larger vessels.
Logistics sources also highlight operational bottlenecks and multi-terminal complexities at JN Port, suggesting Mundra may continue to hold a structural edge despite the DFC boost.
