Indian Railways conducts successful run of Asia longest freight train 'Rudrastra'
In a landmark achievement for India’s freight movement, Indian Railways has successfully conducted the trial run of Rudrastra, a 4.5-kilometre-long freight train — now the longest in Asia. The test journey, aimed at boosting cargo capacity and transport efficiency, signals a major step in the nation’s push for faster and more sustainable logistics.
The trial was carried out over a 209-kilometre stretch between Ganjkhwaja in Uttar Pradesh and Garhwa in Jharkhand, completed in 5 hours and 10 minutes at an average speed of 40.5 kmph. Rail officials confirmed that the initiative will enable quicker freight dispatches between the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Division and the Dhanbad Division, ensuring faster turnaround for loading and unloading operations.
Engineered by linking multiple long-haul goods train rakes, Rudrastra was assembled from three connected units, each formed by two standard freight train racks. The train consisted of 345 wagons, each capable of carrying 72 tonnes of cargo, supported by a network of seven engines strategically positioned — two at the lead, and additional units after every 59 wagons — to ensure balanced traction and braking efficiency. Effectively, this configuration mirrors five fully operational freight trains running in a single formation. Railway experts highlight that such extended freight operations have multiple benefits. The ability to move bulk goods in a single trip can significantly cut down locomotive deployment, track congestion, and operational costs. It also improves energy efficiency per tonne-kilometre of cargo moved, aligning with India’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector.
Officials note that Rudrastra’s design supports rapid loading and unloading, enabling goods such as coal, minerals, and industrial raw materials to reach destinations faster. This improvement is expected to enhance the competitiveness of rail freight against road transport, which still dominates India’s cargo sector despite its higher carbon footprint. The trial marks a growing emphasis on capacity optimisation within Indian Railways, especially on high-demand freight corridors. By deploying advanced coupling technology, coordinated locomotive control systems, and enhanced safety protocols, the network is preparing for a new era of heavy-haul logistics.
Authorities believe the operationalisation of such long freight formations could be transformative for industries reliant on bulk commodity movement. With fewer train slots occupied for the same cargo volume, passenger train scheduling may also benefit indirectly, reducing delays in mixed-traffic routes. While Rudrastra has set a new benchmark for train length in Asia, rail planners stress that its success will depend on upgrading track infrastructure, signalling systems, and yard capacities to handle the operational demands of such mega-trains. The trial’s success, however, firmly positions Indian Railways as a frontrunner in large-scale freight innovation in the region.
