National 24 August 2026
Indian Railways Operates First Double-Stack Long-Haul Container Train in Gujarat
Why in the News?
Indian Railways successfully operated the first double-stack long-haul container train from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) near Mumbai to CONCOR's GCT terminal at Varnama in Vadodara division, Gujarat.
Key Features / Major Points:
Distance & Capacity: Covered a distance of around 422 km along the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), carrying a total of 360 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units).
Train Configuration: Composed of two coupled double-stack racks (45+1 load each) hauled by locomotive numbers 60311 (1,817 tonnes) and 24690 (2,105 tonnes) respectively.
Operational Efficiency: Significantly reduces terminal congestion, accelerates container clearance at ports, and minimizes total transit time.
Environmental Impact: Fully electric operation reduces dependence on diesel-driven road transport, lowers fuel consumption, and cuts traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
Static GK Facts:
DFCCIL (Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited): Established Year: 2006 | Headquarters: New Delhi. (A Special Purpose Vehicle under the Ministry of Railways).
Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT): Also known as Nhava Sheva, it is the largest container port in India, located in Maharashtra.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Where did Indian Railways operate its first double-stack long-haul container train from JNPT?
A: Varnama (Gujarat)
Q: On which freight corridor was the first double-stack long-haul container train operated?
A: Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC)
Q: In which year was the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) established?
A: 2006