The Top Ten Longest Trains in the World

Trains have been an important mode of transportation for goods and people for centuries. They have evolved over time, becoming longer and faster with advanced technology. Today, trains are an essential part of the global economy, transporting goods across vast distances. In this article, we will explore the top 10 longest trains in the world.

The Ghan, Australia

The Ghan, Australia

The Ghan is the only passenger train on this list. It runs from Adelaide to Darwin, covering a distance of 2979 kilometres in 54 hours. The train’s total length is over 1200 meters, with 16-26 bogies at a time. It was named after an Afghan camel driver and can reach a maximum speed of 50 kilometres per hour.

Maruti Freight Train, India

Maruti Freight Train, India

Launched by the Indian Railways in 2011, the Maruti Freight Train runs from Bilaspur to Bhusawal, covering a distance of over 1400 meters. It can carry 9,000 to 10,000 tonnes of goods and has the title of South East Asia’s largest train. The train features a front and middle two-place driver cabin and can reach a speed of 50 kilometres per hour.

Rio Tinto Railway Services, Australia

Rio Tinto Railway Services, Australia

The Rio Tinto train in Australia is over 2400 meters long and can carry more than 30,000 tonnes of luggage. The train covers a distance of 1700 km at a time and runs along 226 bogies. It works as a lifeline for the mines in the area.

Mauritania Railway Iron Ore Trains, Mauritania

Mauritania Railway Iron Ore Trains, Mauritania

The train in Mauritania has a length of over 2500 meters and can carry up to 85 tonnes of goods at a time. It can accommodate 200 to 210 bogies and runs from Zouerate to Nouadhibou, covering a total of 704 kilometres. The train carries up to 16 million tons of goods annually.

Daqin Railway Coal Trains, China

Daqin Railway Coal Trains, China

The exporting Daqing coal train in northern China is 3200 meters long and can carry up to 20,000 metric tons. It features a high-tech engine and can reach speeds of 70-80 kilometres per hour.

Cajaras Railway Freight Trains, Brazil

Cajaras Railway Freight Trains, Brazil

The Cajaras trains in Brazil are 3300 meters long and travel with over 330 bogies. Over 20,000 tonnes of iron are transported on these trains, and they can carry 3 to 4 thousand passengers. They are the biggest trains for regular operation in the world, with an average speed of 30-40 kilometres per hour.

AAR Standards-400, USA

AAR Standards-400, USA

The AAR Standards-400 trains are considered the lifeline of the USA, and they are 3659 meters long, travelling with 180 bogies. The trains supply various minerals and fuels across the country, and their value to the government is around $60 billion. They run at an average speed of 30 kilometres per hour, as running them at higher speeds can be dangerous.

RDP Trains, South Africa

RDP Trains, South Africa

The trains running on the export line in South Africa are 3780 meters long and are considered the lifeline of the country. They travel with over 210 bogies and can carry up to 17-18 thousand tonnes of goods at a time. The maximum speed of these trains is 70-80 kilometres per hour, and they run at an average speed of 30-40 kilometres per hour.

Double Stack Container Trains, Canada

Double Stack Container Trains, Canada

TheDouble Stack Container Train was launched by the Canadian Government in 1990. These trains used to be 1500 meters long, but later it was increased to 4000 meters. The Double Stack Container Train can carry 18,000 tonnes of goods at a time. The double-stack train group includes trains up to 3000, 3700, and 4000 meters. The longest train in this group is more than 4200 meters long. This train has revolutionized goods transportation in Canada, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

BHP Billiton Iron Ore train, Australia

BHP Billiton Iron Ore train, Australia

This BHP Billiton iron ore train in Australia is the world’s heaviest train, which made the world record in 2001. This train has a total length of 7300 meters and weighs 82,000 tonnes. At one point in time, 682 bogies were attached to this train. The train runs between Newman and Port Hedland, Western Australia, transporting iron ore from the mines to the port. The train runs through some of the most inhospitable terrain in the world, making it a remarkable feat of engineering.

Both these trains are an engineering marvels and a testament to human ingenuity. These trains have made goods transportation more efficient and cost-effective, reducing transportation costs and making goods more affordable. It is fascinating to see how far technology has come and how it continues to improve. With more technological advancements, we can expect trains to become even bigger, faster, and more efficient in the future.

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