Indian Railways Successfully Conducts Trial Run of Asia’s Longest Freight Train 'Rudrastra' Spanning 4.5 km with 354 Wagons and 7 Locomotives.
National
On August 8, 2025, Indian Railways achieved a significant milestone by conducting the trial run of 'Rudrastra', Asia’s longest freight train. Spanning approximately 4.5 kilometers, the train was operated by the East Central Railway (ECR) under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Division.
- The trial run commenced from Ganjkhwaja station in Uttar Pradesh and concluded at Garhwa Road station in Jharkhand, covering a distance of 209 kilometers in 5 hours and 10 minutes at an average speed of 40.5 km/h.
- 'Rudrastra' is a technical marvel, comprising 354 box wagons and powered by seven locomotives. The formation was achieved by linking six long-haul rakes, effectively combining five goods trains into a single unit. This configuration allows for the movement of significantly larger loads in one go, drastically reducing the number of trips required for the same volume of freight.
- The train's journey passed through several key stations, including Nabinagar, Japla, Garhwa, Daltonganj, Barwadih, Latehar, and Tori. At Phulbasiya and Sheopur coal sidings, the train was split into smaller parts for unloading—118 wagons at the former and 236 at the latter. This operational strategy enhances logistical efficiency and reduces turnaround time.
Main Point :- (i) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hailed the trial as a proud moment for the nation, describing 'Rudrastra' as Bharat’s longest freight train. He emphasized that this initiative aims to enhance transport efficiency, save operational time, reduce costs, and accelerate the movement of goods—particularly along the busy corridor between the DDU Division and the Dhanbad Division.
(ii) The successful operation of 'Rudrastra' is a testament to the improved coordination and management capabilities of the DDU Division. It reflects the division's commitment to innovation and operational excellence in freight transportation.
(iii) Looking ahead, the introduction of such super-long freight trains is expected to revolutionize coal transport and other logistics operations. By optimizing train formations and reducing the number of trips, Indian Railways aims to boost freight capacity, enhance efficiency, and contribute to the nation's economic growth.
About Indian Railways (IR)
Minister : Ashwini Vaishnaw
Headquarters: New Delhi
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