Indian Railways runs first double-stack long-haul train from Mumbai

Indian Railways successfully operated its first 1.3 km double-stack long-haul container train from Mumbai's JNPT to Varnama, Vadodara. The train carried 360 TEUs, a major milestone aimed at boosting freight capacity and efficiency.

Indian Railways achieved a major operational milestone by successfully operating its first double-stack long-haul container train from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Mumbai, carrying 360 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of containers to CONCOR's Goods Cargo Terminal (GCT) at Varnama in Vadodara Division.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on X the video of the double-stack long-haul container train from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Mumbai, to Varnama in Vadodara Division. 📢 First Long Haul (1.3 km) Double Stack container train on Western Dedicated Freight Corridor JNPT, Mumbai -> Vadodara, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/CY9kWabvrM — Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) August 22, 2026

Operational Details of the Train

The train, which departed from JNPT at 7 pm on August 21, covered a distance of approximately 422 km. The long-haul formation comprised two double-stack rakes, with the leading rake carrying 45+1 loads and hauled by locomotive number 60311 with a tonnage of 1,817 tonnes. The trailing rake also carried 45+1 loads and was hauled by locomotive number 24690 with a tonnage of 2,105 tonnes, a release said. Together, the two rakes transported 360 TEUs in a single movement, showcasing Indian Railways' capability to handle higher volumes of containerised freight through long-haul operations.

Impact on Freight Movement

The operation is expected to help reduce terminal congestion by enabling faster evacuation of containers from ports and terminals. Double-stack container trains also reduce the requirement for rolling stock, improve utilisation of route capacity and contribute to faster freight movement.

Indian Railways said the initiative will enhance freight carrying capacity while helping reduce transportation costs. (ANI)

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