Chandaili
Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Mandal (DDU Mandal) of East Central Railway has successfully conducted a 4.5 km long goods train ‘Rudra Shara’, establishing a new record. It has become the longest Indian Railways freight train so far.
On August 7, 2025, at 2:20 pm, ‘Rudrashra’ was sent to Garhwa Road from Ganjakhwaja station in DDU division. The unprecedented freight train was prepared by adding six empty boxes rakes, with a total of 354 wagons and seven engines. The train first traveled on the Dedicated Freight Corridor and then on the general track of the Indian Railways.
The successful operation of ‘Rudra Shara’ proves that the DDU Mandal is playing a leading role not only in operation but also in innovation. This model can give a new direction to the Indian Railways’ economy and logistics in the future.
What is ‘Rudra Shakra’?
This super long freight train called ‘Rudra Shara’ is a new initiative to create innovation and capacity of DDU Mandal. Such rakes are usually run separately, but running them together is an excellent example of management efficiency, time saving, and maximum utility of the route.
Role of DDU Division
The DDU Mandal is one of the important goods transport centers of Indian Railways, especially in the transportation of coal and other essential commodities to Dhanbad division. From here empty freight trains are sent on time after investigation and repair.
Major features of ‘Rudra Shastra’
Length: 4.5 km
Total Rek: 6 Boxan Rek
Total Wagon: 354
Engine: 07
Start point: Ganjakhwaja Station (DDU Division)
Destination: Garhwa Road (via Sonnagar)
Other utility
Use of maximum capacity of track by running 6 freight trains together
Saving time and resources (crew, route scheme etc.)
Acknowledgment
Help in reducing the carbon footprint of railway
