Do you know about Asia’s Longest Freight Train? Check Complete Detail Here!

Indian Railways has reached a significant new milestone by completing the trial run of 'Rudrastra,' which is now Asia’s longest freight train. It stretches over an incredible length of 4.5 kilometres. Rudrastra, which is Asia’s Longest Freight Train is consists of 354 wagons and is pulled by seven powerful locomotives. 

'Rudrastra' - Bharat's longest freight train (4.5 km long) pic.twitter.com/Ufk2MFnpfl

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) August 8, 2025

The test of Rudrastra began at Ganjkhwaja station in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, and ended at Garhwa in Jharkhand which has covering 209 kilometres in just over five hours, and this massive train was able to maintain an average speed of around 40.5 km/h.

This project is designed to improve freight transport efficiency by combining multiple freight rakes into one continuous train. From this project, it will reduce the number of individual train trips needed, which will save both time and resources.  Linking multiple wagons in a single Freight Train will enhance the transportation of more resources.

The success of this trial reflects a major step forward in India’s efforts to modernise its railway system and better handle the increasing demands of goods transportation across the country.

Which is Asia’s Longest Freight Train?

Rudrastra is Asia’s Longest Freight Train. After the successful trial run of Rudrastra, it represents a significant technological leap for Indian Railways, being Asia’s longest freight train at 4.5 kilometres. This freight train was created by combining six standard box rakes into one continuous formation, which consists of 354 wagons. 

This transformation in indian freight trains shows how India is transforming and growing expertise in long-distance, high-capacity freight transport. This train not only boosts the volume of goods transported in one go but also helps streamline rail freight operations.

When and Where Was the Rudrastra Trial Run Conducted?

The trial run of Rudrastra took place between Ganjkhwaja Railway Station, which is located in Uttar Pradesh, and Garhwa Railway Station in Jharkhand, which has covering a distance of 209 kilometres. The journey time of Rudrastra took around 5 hours and 10 minutes to reach Garhwa Railway Station, and this freight train also maintained its average speed of 40.5 kilometres per hour during its whole journey. 

Which Indian Railways Division were involved in the development and operation of Rudrastra?

For the development and operation of the Rudrastra freight train, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Division of the East Central Railway (ECR) Zone was mostly involved, and DDU Division was closely coordinated with the Dhabad Division to ensure smooth logistical integration during the trial of the Rudrastra

How is Rudrastra Configured and Powered?

The Rudrastra freight train is formed by coupling six standard freight rakes, resulting in a total of 345 wagons. Its propulsion is managed by seven powerful locomotives distributed along the length of the train: two at the front and others positioned approximately every 59 wagons. During the trial, some wagons carried loads as heavy as 72 tons.

Key configuration details:

• Total length: 4.5 kilometres

• Number of wagons: 345

• Locomotives: 7 (2 at front, 5 distributed)

• Maximum load per wagon: 72 tons (in some wagons)

• Average speed: 40.5 km/h

• Route: A Combination of Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) and conventional railway tracks

What Are the Main Objectives Behind Rudrastra?

The main Objectives Behind Rudrastra, Asia’s Longest Freight Train, are:

• To increase freight capacity per trip by transporting larger volumes in a single run.

• It will reduce operational redundancies such as multiple crew shifts and scheduling efforts.

• It will also help in cutting down fuel consumption, manpower costs, and overall transit time.

• It enhances the efficiency of freight logistics on key industrial routes.

What Is the Economic and Operational Significance of Rudrastra?

By operating such extended freight trains, Indian Railways expects to:

• It will be able to achieve substantial cost savings in fuel and labour.

• This makes the streamlined freight movement, resulting in faster deliveries.

• It will optimise the use of existing railway infrastructure.

• By introducing the longest Freight Train in India, it will strengthen India’s competitiveness in global logistics.

How Does Rudrastra Compare to International Freight Train Records?

While Rudrastra is currently the longest freight train in Asia, it falls short of Australia’s world record 7.3-kilometre-long train. Nevertheless, it places India among the select countries employing advanced long-haul freight technology, reflecting a strategic move towards modernising rail freight transport.

Summary Table: Rudrastra Freight Train at a Glance