India sets new rail record with 4.5-km long ‘Rudrastra’ freight train

In a historic milestone for Indian Railways, the country has successfully operated its longest-ever freight train, named Rudrastra.

Spanning an impressive 4.5 kilometres, the train showcases India’s growing logistical and technological capabilities in rail transport.

The Rudrastra was composed of 354 wagons, six rakes and seven engines. It completed a 200-kilometre experimental journey from Ganjkhwaja to Garhwa Road station under the East Central Railway’s DDU Division, passing through Dhanbad.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the achievement on X, writing, “Rudrastra – Bharat’s longest freight train (4.5 km long),” and posted a video highlighting the train’s scale and power.

The East Central Railway also celebrated the feat in a statement, calling it a “new milestone” and a major advancement in freight movement.

The successful operation of Rudrastra underscores Indian Railways’ continued efforts to improve freight efficiency, expand carrying capacity, and meet the demands of a growing economy. It also aligns with the national agenda of modernising infrastructure and reducing logistics costs.

This mega-train experiment reflects Indian Railways’ ambition to set global benchmarks in freight operations and marks a step forward in transforming the country’s transport sector.