Indian Railways runs first 1.3-km double-stack container train on WDFC

Indian Railways has operated its first 1.3-kilometre-long double-stack container train, a move aimed at boosting freight capacity and improving logistics efficiency. The train ran from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) near Mumbai to Varnama in the Vadodara Division, using the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC).

The train departed JNPT at 7 pm on August 21, 2026, carrying 360 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers. It travelled roughly 422 km to reach CONCOR's GCT terminal at Varnama.

The long-haul formation was created by joining two double-stack rakes, each carrying 180 TEUs. The leading rake, hauled by locomotive 60311, had a load of 45+1 and a tonnage of 1,817 tonnes. The trailing rake, hauled by locomotive 24690, also had a load of 45+1 and carried 2,105 tonnes.

Benefits of long-haul double-stack operations

Moving more containers in a single train can speed up evacuation from ports and reduce congestion at terminals. Double-stack operations allow containers to be stacked one above another, increasing cargo per movement. Since more containers move in one train, fewer train movements are needed for the same freight volume, making better use of railway routes. Long-haul operations can also cut overall transit time.

Reducing road traffic and emissions

The train was electrically hauled, reducing dependence on diesel-powered road transport. A single long-haul double-stack container train can carry cargo that would otherwise require a large number of trucks, helping reduce road congestion, diesel consumption, and transport-related emissions.