Indian Railways Tests Asia’s Longest Freight Train
Why in the News ?
The Indian Railways has successfully conducted the trial run of Asia’s longest freight train ‘Rudrastra’, spanning 4.5 km, between Ganjkhwaja (Uttar Pradesh) and Garhwa (Jharkhand). The initiative aims to boost freight capacity, reduce transit time, and enhance efficiency.
Trial Run Details:
- The 5 km long ‘Rudrastra’ completed its trial run from Ganjkhwaja to Garhwa.
- Covered 209 km in 5 hours 10 minutes at an average speed of 50 km/h.
- Will facilitate freight movement from Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Division to Dhanbad Division.
- Aim: Quick loading and efficient goods transportation.
- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hailed it as a milestone for Bharat’s logistics network.
Composition and Design
- Made by combining three long-haul racks (two goods trains each).
- Consisted of 345 wagons, with 72 tonnes per wagon.
- Seven engines deployed — two in front, and one after every 59 bogeys.
- Essentially, it was like five goods trains lined
- Enhances load capacity and optimizes fuel and manpower
| Key points : Rudrastra
● Rudrastra: Asia’s longest freight train (4.5 km). ● Operated under East Central Railway Zone. ● Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Junction: Key railway hub in Uttar Pradesh. ● Long Haul Concept: Linking multiple freight trains to improve capacity and reduce congestion. ● Supports National Rail Plan 2030 objectives for freight modernization. |