https://x.com/ashwinivaishnaw/status/2091143261775917352?s=46&t=2rBvVuHomNMnd2PwSKmMAg *1st double stack long - haul Container train on Western DFC* - *Route:* JNPT Mumbai to Vadodara - 422 km - *Load:* 360 TEUs *Formation:* - *2 Rakes Combined:* 45+1 containers each. - ⁠*Tons:* 3,922

 

Indian Railway Operates First Double-Stack Long-Haul Container Train from JNPT Mumbai.*360 TEUs (Containers) transported over 422 km to CONCOR’s GCT terminal at Varnama in Vadodara division*ndian Railway achieved a major operational milestone on 21.08.2026 by successfully dispatching its first double-stack long-haul container train from JNPT to carrying a total of 360 TEUs Containers towards the Varnama in Vadodara Division.

The train formation covered a distance of approximately 422 km. The load departed from JNPT at 19:00 hrs.on dated 21.08.2026.

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, demonstrating the capability of transporting a significantly higher volume of containerised freights in a single long-haul movement.

*Benefits of Long-Haul Double-Stack Container Trains*

*Reduced Terminal Congestion:*

The movement of a larger number of containers in a single train will help reduce the dwelling time of containers at ports and terminals, thereby minimising terminal congestion and facilitating faster evacuation.

*Reduced Requirement of Rolling Stock:*Double-stack operations enable more containers to be transported in a single movement, reducing the requirement for locomotives and container flat wagons for handling the equivalent freight volume.

*Better UtilisationofRouteCapacity:*Carrying more containers in a single train reduces the number of train movements required to transport the same volume of freight, thereby enabling better utilisation of available route capacity.

*Reduced Transit Time:*

Long-haul container train operations facilitate faster movement and evacuation of containers, contributing to reduction in the overall transit time of freight.

*Higher Freight Carrying Capacity:*

The higher container carrying capacity in a single movement facilitates faster evacuation of containers from JNPT and other freight terminals while helping reduce overall transportation costs.

*Green and Sustainable Freight Transportation*

The operation also underlines Indian Railways’ commitment towards green and sustainable freight transportation. Being an electrically hauled train, the movement reduces dependence on diesel-powered road transportation.

A single long-haul double-stack container train can transport cargo equivalent to that requiring a large number of trucks by road. This helps reduce diesel consumption, road congestion, vehicular emissions and the overall carbon footprint of freight transportation.