South Africa's state-owned transport company announced success in testing a freight train 7.6 kilometers long, consisting of 696 freight cars, claiming to break the previous world record set by Australia in 2001.
Transnet, South Africa's state-owned transport and logistics enterprise, revealed it successfully tested a freight train 7.6 kilometers (about 4.7 miles) long with 696 freight cars. The company claims this train set a new world record for the longest freight train.
The test took place on 17-18 October, with the train departing from Saldanha Bay on South Africa's west coast, heading inland along the iron ore rail line, arriving in Northern Cape Province on 18 October, covering approximately 860-861 kilometers.
However, all 696 freight cars were empty during the test. The goal was to assess the performance of this exceptionally long train, study locomotive control, braking systems, and rail transport operations to enhance long-distance mineral and freight transport efficiency.
Operating a 7.6-kilometer-long train required both electric and diesel-electric locomotives distributed along the train to spread traction and braking forces, preventing concentration of forces at the front.
Transnet stated the test used Radio Distributed Power technology, which allows locomotives positioned at different points to operate in coordination as a single system, reducing forces between cars and increasing safety for large train operations.
Before the test, engineers simulated the train’s behavior, checked route readiness, arranged locomotive positions, and evaluated train control procedures. Experts monitored operations and collected data during the run to compare with engineering simulations.
Russell Batjies, executive of Transnet Freight Rail, said the test was not just about breaking records but also an opportunity to learn and improve the country's rail freight capabilities for the long term.
If confirmed, this new train would surpass the previous record set in Australia on 21 June 2001, when BHP Iron Ore operated a 7.35-kilometer iron ore train with 682 cars from a mine to the Port Hedland terminal in Western Australia.
South Africa's train is about 250 meters longer and has 14 more cars than the previous record. However, industry media reports that no official independent body has yet verified the new world record.
. ABCnews
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