South Africa breaks record for longest freight train

Did you know which country operates the world’s longest freight train? South Africa has set a new record by running a train measuring an incredible 7.6 kilometres in length.

The country’s state owned rail operator Transnet Freight Rail operated the record breaking train which consisted of 696 empty wagons along with several locomotives and crew coaches.

The train ran on a railway line used to transport iron ore in South Africa.

How long was South Africa’s record breaking train?

Operating such a long train was not an easy task. The railway team faced several technical and operational challenges, especially when it came to keeping the train under control.

According to railway officials braking and power systems played an important role in managing the train safely throughout its journey.

How did South Africa break Australia’s record?

Before South Africa’s achievement, Australia held the record for the world’s longest freight train. In 2001, a train consisting of 682 wagons set the previous record.

South Africa has now surpassed that achievement with its 696 wagon train setting a new milestone in railway transportation.