Indian Railways (IR), on August 21, 2026 ran its first double-stack long-haul container train from JNPT to Varnama in Vadodara Division transporting 360 TEU containers.[1 TEU is one twenty feet equivalent unit also called one -20 feet container].
The goods train’s rake formation was dispatched at 1900 hours from JNPT and covered a distance of approximately 422 km. The long-haul formation comprised two double-stack rakes:
Leading Rake: JNPT Vadodara | Load: 45+1 | Loco: 60311 | Tonnage: 1,817 tonnes
Trailing Rake: JNPT–Vadodara | Load: 45+1 | Loco: 24690 | Tonnage: 2,105 tonnes.Together, the formation carried 360 TEUs.
Benefits of Long-Haul Double-Stack Container rakes
Reduced Terminal Congestion:
The movement of a larger number of containers in a single train reduces the dwelling time of containers at ports and terminals, minimises terminal congestion,facilitates faster evacuation while helping reduce overall transportation costs.
Reduced Requirement of Rolling Stock:
Double-stack operations reduce the requirement for locomotives and container flat wagons for handling the equivalent freight volume.
Better Utilisation of Route Capacity:
Carrying more containers in a single train reduces the number of train movements for the the same volume of freight, enabling better utilisation of route capacity while reducing the overall transit time of freight.
Green and Sustainable Freight Transportation
Being electrically hauled, the train movement reduces diesel consumption, road congestion, vehicular emissions and the overall carbon footprint.