BDRCL primary object was to convert the existing 61.6 km narrow-gauge railway line between Bharuch - Samni - Dahej Port into a broad-gauge corridor, thereby enabling high-capacity freight movement. Later, the project was extended by an additional 5.52 km stretch between Bharuch and Chavaj (north of Bharuch) link line was built to connect with the Western Railway Mainline, bringing the total length to 67.12 km. Dahej, the terminal station, of the line shall be linked by sidings to the proposed new jetty being constructed by the Adani Petronet (Dahej) Port Private Limited and ONGC Petro Additions Limited plant in the Dahej SEZ. It is expected that there will be demand for additional sidings, including one to a Logistics Park.
The project line at its eastern end shall join the existing Western Railway mainline from Virar to Vadodara at Bharuch and Chavaj. As the line is categorized as a feeder route to the Dedicated Freight Corridor, the line is designed to take a heavier axle load of 25 tonnes involving use of heavier rails. The line shall be electrified to 25 KV AC traction standards to facilitate interchange of traffic with Western Railway.
The Port of Dahej, in the Gulf of Khambat is progressively gaining importance both as a Port and as a convenient location for setting up new industries serving a large hinterland which includes the states of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi apart from Gujarat. The developments taking place in Dahej are likely to transform the area into a major industrial complex in the next few years.