South Africa Tests World's Longest Freight Train
A state-run company conducted a test run of a nearly 5-mile-long freight train, aiming to enhance mineral transport capabilities.
South Africa has conducted a test run of what it claims is the longest freight train in the world, a 7.6-kilometer (4.7-mile) long service consisting of 696 freight wagons. The journey, which took place on October 18, covered 860 kilometers (534 miles) from Saldanha Bay on the country's west coast to an iron ore mine in the interior.
Transnet, the state-run transport and logistics company, reported that the train required both electric and diesel locomotives positioned along its length to maintain power. The wagons were empty during the two-day test.
According to Transnet Freight Rail chief executive Russell Baatjies, the operation was designed as a learning exercise to improve South Africa's capacity for long-distance freight transport, particularly for minerals. Typical freight trains globally range from half a mile to 1.5 miles in length, though South Africa and Australia are known for operating some of the world's longest trains over extensive routes.
Transnet stated that this test run surpasses the previous record held by a 7.24-kilometer (4.5-mile) train that traveled from an iron ore mine to a port in Western Australia in 2001.