Indian Railways has completed the trial run of ‘Rudrastra’, Asia’s longest freight train, measuring 4.5 km in length. The trial covered 209 km between Ganjkhwaja in Uttar Pradesh and Garhwa in Jharkhand in 5 hours 10 minutes. This engineering feat is expected to improve freight efficiency, cut costs, and save resources.

BulletsIn

• Length 4.5 km, longest freight train in Asia
• 345 wagons, each 72-tonne capacity
• 7 engines, 2 front, rest spaced after 59 wagons each
• Formed by coupling 3 long-haul racks from 6 standard goods trains
• Trial route: Ganjkhwaja (UP) to Garhwa (Jharkhand)
• Distance 209 km in 5 hr 10 min, avg speed 40.5 km/h
• Will enable faster loading and delivery of goods
• Fewer trips needed for bulk cargo, lower fuel use
• Reduces freight corridor congestion and transport costs
• Built with innovative couplings and precise engine placement