Rudrastra – Asia’s Longest Freight Train | 11 Aug 2025

Why in News? 

Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone with the successful trial run of Rudrastra, the longest freight train in India and Asia, measuring 4.5 km. 

Key Points 

• About: On 7th August 2025, the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Division of East Central Railway conducted a trial service between Ganjkhwaja station in Chandauli (Uttar Pradesh) and Garhwa (Jharkhand), covering 209 km in 5 hours 10 minutes at an average speed of 40.5 km/h. 
  • The train, consisting of six BOXN rakes with 354 wagons, was powered by seven engines—two at the front and one after every 59 bogies—carrying approximately 72 tonnes of goods per wagon, marking the largest freight load ever moved by Indian Railways in a single operation. 
  • The train ran on the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) from Ganjkhwaja to Sonnagar, and then on the normal track to Garhwa Road. 
• Significance: Running Rudrastra as a unified system reduces logistical overheads, enhances train capacity, and boosts the speed and efficiency of freight transportation in India.