Chandauli, August 8, 2025 – Indian Railways has set a new milestone by successfully operating its longest-ever freight train, named ‘Rudrastra,’ on August 7, 2025. Stretching an impressive 4.5 kilometers, this massive train was created by combining six regular freight trains, featuring 354 wagons and powered by seven locomotives. The historic journey began at Ganj Khwaja station in Chandauli and traveled 200 kilometers to Gadhwa Road via Sonnagar, passing through Sasaram and Dehri stations.
The Rudrastra, aptly named for its strength and scale, is a game-changer for Indian Railways’ freight operations. According to railway officials, this trial run by the East Central Railway’s Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) division showcases advanced technical coordination and innovation. The train, made up of six empty BOXN rakes, required precise control to maintain uniform pressure across its length, a challenge met by strategically placing locomotives to ensure smooth operation. The journey, which took around five hours, highlights the railway’s push to boost efficiency and capacity in moving goods like coal, steel, and cement across the busy Grand Chord rail section, a critical route connecting Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction to Asansol via Gaya.
This achievement comes as Indian Railways continues to modernize its vast network, the fourth largest in the world, spanning over 135,000 kilometers as of 2024. With daily operations moving millions of tons of freight, innovations like Rudrastra are vital for meeting the growing demands of India’s industrial and agricultural sectors. The train’s successful run is a step toward optimizing logistics, reducing costs, and supporting the nation’s economic growth.
Social media buzzed with excitement as videos and photos of Rudrastra surfaced, with many praising Indian Railways for this feat. However, globally, Australia’s BHP freight train still holds the record for the world’s longest, but Rudrastra’s operation marks India’s ambition to compete on a global scale. As one railway employee at Sasaram station shared, “It was thrilling to see such a long train pass by. It’s a proud moment for all of us.”
Indian Railways plans to build on this success, with officials hinting at more such trials to enhance freight movement. For now, Rudrastra stands as a symbol of India’s railway innovation, proving that even in a 170-year-old system, there’s room for groundbreaking achievements.
