Current Context: Indian Railways conducted a trial run of Asia’s longest freight train, named ‘Rudrastra’, covering 209 km in 5 hours 10 minutes between Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.

ABOUT RUDRASTRA

• Length:5 km (Longest in Asia)
• Wagons: 345 total
• Engines: 7 total (Two at front, others distributed after every 59 bogeys)
• Load Capacity: 72 tonnes per wagon
• Speed: Average 40.5 km/h during trial
• Route: Ganjkhwaja (UP) to Garhwa (Jharkhand)

Purpose: Increase freight efficiency, reduce turnaround time, and save fuel.