Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Indian Railways Operates First Double-Stack Long-Haul Container Train
Indian Railways ran its first very long train with containers stacked two levels high.
The train began at JNPT near Mumbai on August 21.
It travelled toward Varnama in the Vadodara Division.
The train carried 360 container units, called TEUs.
It was made of two connected sections called rakes.
Together, they carried 3,922 tonnes of goods.
Carrying more containers in one train can help ports clear cargo faster and reduce waiting time.
Fewer trains and trucks may also mean less diesel use, traffic and pollution.
Indian Railways dispatched its first 1.3-kilometre double-stack long-haul container train from JNPT near Mumbai.
The train carried 360 TEUs in two double-stack rakes bound for Varnama in Vadodara Division.
It departed JNPT at 7 p.m. on August 21 and travelled approximately 422 kilometres on the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor.
The rakes carried 1,817 tonnes and 2,105 tonnes respectively, using locomotives 60311 and 24690.
The electrically hauled operation is intended to speed container evacuation while reducing congestion, train movements, diesel use, road traffic and emissions.
- Who
- Indian Railways, with the milestone publicized by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
- What
- The first 1.3-kilometre double-stack long-haul container train was dispatched, carrying 360 TEUs.
- When
- The train departed at 7 p.m. on August 21; Ashwini Vaishnaw publicized the operation on August 22.
- Where
- From Jawaharlal Nehru Port near Mumbai to Varnama in Vadodara Division, via the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor.
- Why
- To move more containers in one operation, improve freight evacuation, reduce terminal congestion and lower transport-related fuel use and emissions.
- Container capacity
- 360 TEUs, with 180 TEUs in each rake
- Train length
- Approximately 1.3 kilometres
- Route distance
- Approximately 422 kilometres
- Route
- JNPT near Mumbai to Varnama in Vadodara Division
- Train formation
- Two coupled double-stack rakes
- Combined tonnage
- 3,922 tonnes
- Haulage
- Electric locomotives 60311 and 24690
