In a significant operational milestone, Indian Railways on Saturday successfully flagged off the first double-stack long-haul container train from JNPT, Mumbai, to CONCOR’s GCT terminal at Varnama in the Vadodara Division. A total of 360 TEUs of containers were transported on this train. The train covered a distance of approximately 422 kilometers. The container load departed from JNPT at 19:00 hours on August 21, 2026.
This long-haul train consisted of two double-stack rakes:
- Leading Rake: JNPT–Vadodara | Load: 45+1 | Loco: 60311 | Weight: 1,817 tonnes
- Trailing Rake: JNPT–Vadodara | Load: 45+1 | Loco: 24690 | Weight: 2,105 tonnes
Together, the two rakes transported 360 TEUs of containers. This achievement demonstrates Indian Railways’ capability to transport large volumes of containerized freight in a single long-haul movement.
What are the benefits of long-haul double-stack container trains
Reduction in terminal congestion:
Transporting a larger number of containers on a single train reduces the dwell time of containers at ports and terminals. This helps alleviate terminal congestion and facilitates faster evacuation of containers.
Reduced rolling stock requirement:
Double-stack operations enable the transport of a greater number of containers in a single movement. This reduces the number of locomotives and container flat wagons required to transport the same volume of freight.
Better utilisation of route capacity:
Carrying more containers on a single train reduces the total number of trains needed to transport the same volume of goods. This enables more effective utilisation of available rail route capacity.
Reduction in transit time:
Long-haul container trains facilitate the rapid movement and evacuation of containers, thereby helping to reduce the overall transit time for goods.
Higher freight carrying capacity:
The ability to transport a larger number of containers in a single movement enables faster evacuation of containers from JNPT and other freight terminals, helping to lower overall transportation costs.
Green and sustainable freight transport:
This operation also underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to green and sustainable freight transport. Powered by electric locomotives, this train helps reduce reliance on diesel associated with road transport. A single double-stack long-haul container train can carry a volume of freight equivalent to that transported by a large number of trucks on the road. This helps reduce diesel consumption, traffic congestion on roads, vehicle emissions, and the overall carbon footprint of freight transportation.
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