Prelims Bits
Context
Indian Railways has successfully completed the trial run of Rudrastra, a freight train stretching 4.5 km, making it the longest in Asia and a major achievement in enhancing freight transportation efficiency. The trial was carried out between Ganjkhwaja (Uttar Pradesh) and Garhwa (Jharkhand).
What is Rudrastra?
- A 4.5 km-long freight train created by combining six standard rakes into a single operational unit.
- Currently the longest freight train in India and among the longest in Asia.
Organisations Involved
- Developed and operated by Indian Railways.
- Managed by the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Division of East Central Railway.
- Trial run coordinated with the Dhanbad Division for seamless operations.
Objectives
- Increase freight efficiency by carrying larger cargo volumes in one trip.
- Reduce duplication in crew deployment, train scheduling, and routing.
- Save time and resources in goods transportation.
Significance
- Economic Efficiency
- Cuts manpower, fuel, and operational costs by reducing the need for multiple train runs.
- Faster Freight Movement
- Shortens loading, unloading, and overall transit times.
- Global Standing
- Positions India among nations with advanced long-haul freight capabilities, though Australia currently holds the world record with a 7.3 km freight train.