Anaconda Freight Train | Indian Railways Anaconda Train
Anaconda Freight Train | Indian Railways Anaconda Train
Anaconda Train in India
KHARAGPUR DIVISION OF SER REACHED A NEW MILESTONE BY JOINING 3 RAKES TO RUN “ANACONDA FREIGHT TRAIN’’
Kharagpur Division of South Eastern Railway reached a new milestone by joining 3 rakes to run Anaconda Freight Train yesterday (1st July, 2025) boosting heavy haul train operation. The Anaconda Freight Train consisted of 177 wagons. This is the first occasion where such heavy haul train moved between two states. The train consisted of two loaded rakes of Iron Ore and one empty rake of freight wagons. The train was formed at Narayangarh near Kharagpur bringing the 3 rakes from other stations in the vicinity. The entire train was hauled by 6 Locos which are usually used in freight trains.
The Anaconda Freight Train left Narayangarh of Kharagpur-Bhadrak Section of South Eastern Railway and covered a distance of 150 KMs in 3 hrs 35 minutes over SER system on its way to Dhamra Port in Odisha. The train covered a total distance of 200 Kms.
Here’s a detailed insight into the “Anaconda” freight train initiative by Indian Railways—focusing on its historic runs, technology, and impact on freight logistics:
Contents
🐍 What Is the “Anaconda” Freight Train?
The Anaconda is a pioneering long-haul freight train formation where Indian Railways melds multiple freight trains into one continuous unit. Using Distributed Power Control System (DPCS) technology, locomotives in the lead train digitally control trailing engines for coordinated acceleration and braking.
🚆 Key Milestones
May 2025 – SECR Runs 2 km Anaconda (Empty Wagons)
- South East Central Railway (SECR) combined three goods trains totaling 177 empty wagons (~2 km long) between Bhilai and Korba, manned by a single crew—a major operational leap.
July 2020 – “Super Anaconda” with Loaded Wagons
- SECR repeated the feat with 177 loaded wagons carrying ~15,000 tonnes of coal between Brajrajnagar (Odisha) and Rourkela, achieving 40 km/h average speed. The train was hauled by four electric locos (6,000 hp each), controlled centrally using DPCS.
- The Ministry shared footage, calling it India’s first “Super Anaconda” formation. The train covered ~100 km in just 2h 15m.
December 2025 – EDF Corridor Trial
- A 1.5 km Anaconda test was conducted on the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) between DDU Junction and Dhanbad, combining four freight trains, improving handling for coal, cement, and petrol traffic.
⚙️ Why It Matters
- Path and Manpower Efficiency: Consolidating three or more freight trains on a single path with one crew dramatically eases rail congestion and reduces operating costs.
- Tech Boost: Indian Railways indigenously implemented DPCS technology—used globally for heavy haul trains—through collaboration with DLW, CLW, and private firms.
- Right-Powering Strategy: Ensures optimal power-to-weight ratio (e.g. 10,000 hp for 5,000 t), enabling sustained higher speeds and better network utilization.
📊 Summary Table
| Train Formation | Wagons | Length | Route (Selected) | Loaded / Empty | Locos | Tonnes | Average Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anaconda (2025) | 177 | ~2 km | Bhilai → Korba (SECR) | Empty | Diesel | — | Not disclosed |
| Super Anaconda (2025) | 177 | ~2 km | Brajrajnagar → Rourkela | Loaded (~15 kt) | Electric (4) | ~15,000 t | ~40 km/h (100 km in 2h 15m) |
| EDFC Trial (2025) | 4 rakes | ~1.5 km | Pandit DDU → Dhanbad Corridor | Loaded | Electrified | — | — |
🔮 Future Outlook & Legacy
- After success with the Anaconda and subsequent Vasuki train (3.5 km, 295 wagons, 2025), Indian Railways is especially optimistic about implementing similar formations on Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC)—where track space and power availability facilitate longer hauls.
- Trains like Anaconda and Sesh Naag serve as test beds for maximizing rail path utilization, enhancing cargo throughput, and mitigating network bottlenecks.
✅ In Conclusion
The Indian Railways Anaconda train concept marks a milestone in freight operations:
- Anaconda: ~2 km formations achieved by merging three freight rakes using DPCS.
- Super Anaconda: First loaded version (~15,000 tonnes), reduced transit time and manpower needs.
- EDFC trials: Expanded testing to modern Dedicated Freight Corridors.
- Set the tone for future high-capacity, intelligent freight operations—aligned with IR’s plan to enhance modal share and logistics efficiency.
Would you like visualizations of the formation, details on upcoming DPCS-enabled operations, or info on related innovations like Anaconda successors (e.g. “Sesh Naag,” “Vasuki”)?