{"id":159584,"date":"2025-03-10T13:45:57","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T08:15:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/?p=159584"},"modified":"2025-03-07T15:22:44","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T09:52:44","slug":"volvo-trucks-launches-indias-first-road-train-for-logistics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/automobiles\/volvo-trucks-launches-indias-first-road-train-for-logistics","title":{"rendered":"Volvo Trucks Launches India\u2019s First ‘Road Train’ For Logistics"},"content":{"rendered":"

Continuing the transformation of <\/span>India’s<\/span> logistics and transportation industry, Volvo Trucks introduced its first<\/span> ‘<\/span>Road Train<\/span>‘ <\/span>in\u2002India. A more extensive freight transport system, popular in countries such as Australia and the\u2002United States, uses a single truck to pick up multiple trailers in one run. The initiative, also the result of a collaboration with logistics major Delhivery, is a giant leap\u2002toward modernising the <\/span>country\u2019s<\/span> freight transport system, making operations more efficient and catering to the ever-growing needs of e-commerce and supply chain logistics. The Road Train aims to\u2002revolutionise long-distance freight movement in the nation.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Genesis of the Road Train Concept<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Road Trains are a concept adopted in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. They allow a single truck (tractor\u2002unit) to pull multiple trailers in a train-like road configuration. The system transports more in one go, using less\u2002fuel. Considering the prospects for this\u2002system to mitigate the vast logistics demand in India, which <\/span>is expected<\/span> to triple in the next decade, Volvo Trucks has customised this concept to keep up with the Indian market needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Technical Specifications of Volvo Road\u2002Train<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

The volumetric part of the\u2002Volvo Road Train system is the heavy-weight class Volvo FM 420 4\u00d72 tractor unit. An industrial-strength machine\u2002conceived to meet the challenges of moving lengthy cargo in diverse environments. Key features include:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Engine Performance:<\/span><\/strong> The FM 420 has a high-performance 420 horsepower engine that can haul multiple trailers without losing speed or\u2002ruggedness.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Trailer Configuration:<\/span><\/strong> Road Train comprises a 24-foot\u2002containerised intermediate trailer with a 44-foot semi-trailer. \u2002<\/span>This<\/span> stretches 25.25 meters long and complies with the certification <\/span>provided by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and<\/span> the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Cargo Volume:<\/span><\/strong> The design allows\u2002for 144 cubic meters of cargo volume, 50% more than traditional single-trailer systems. In other words, a massive increase in\u2002capacity means fewer trips and better use of resources.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Safety Innovations and Technological Advancements<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

    The concept shows the\u2002safe operation of extended vehicle configurations. To ensure the safe operation of the Road\u2002Train in diverse environments, Volvo Trucks has incorporated an array of advanced safety features:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Electronic Braking\u2002System (EBS):<\/span><\/strong> Ensures accurate braking response <\/span>for shorter stopping distances and improved overall control.<\/span> The initial braking action <\/span>is picked up<\/span> by the EBS, which works in sync with other safety mechanisms\u2002and applies brakes on the whole trailer, which also takes care of the other trailers connected in case of a combination.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Electronic Stability Program (ESP):<\/span><\/strong> This system continuously checks the <\/span>vehicle’s<\/span> driving dynamics and, if it detects potential skidding or rolling over, counteracts beforehand\u2002by reducing engine power or braking individual wheels.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • 360-Degree Camera System:<\/span><\/strong> Given the Road <\/span>Train’s<\/span> considerable length, a 360-degree camera system helps eliminate blind spots and makes for a more easily navigable\u2002driving experience.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Self-Steer Axle:<\/span><\/strong> The trailers come with self-steer axles that track depending on the <\/span>vehicle’s<\/span> course, thus preventing\u2002<\/span>tire<\/span> wear and improving stability in corners.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Dashboard Weight Distribution Monitoring:<\/span><\/strong> Drivers can see how the weight of the cargo <\/span>is distributed<\/span> via the dashboard; this enables them to make <\/span>smart<\/span> decisions about whether cargo needs\u2002to <\/span>be shifted around<\/span> to avoid damage.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Downhill Cruise Control & Stretch Brake:<\/span><\/strong> The mechanism maintains speed control on steep downs and prevents trailer swing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Collaborative Deployment with Delhivery<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

      The deployment of the Road Train system <\/span>is further underpinned<\/span> by the strategic partnership between Volvo Trucks and Delhivery, one of <\/span>India’s<\/span> leading\u2002logistics service providers. In the first phase, we will deploy these advanced tractor-trailer combinations on\u2002routes between major hubs- Nagpur and Bhiwandi. Due to the high freight traffic in this corridor, this\u2002serves as an ideal testing location to collect and analyse data to assess system performance in real-world environments.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Suraj Saharan, Co-founder and Chief <\/span>People\u2019s<\/span> Officer at Delhivery, said about the\u2002collaboration: <\/span>\u201cT<\/span>he addition of the Volvo FM\u2002420 4×2 Road Train to our fleet is a milestone. <\/span>It is well suited to our operation\u2002due to the high volume line-haul (throughput) aspect, <\/span>which increases efficiencies and lower<\/span> transit times<\/span>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

      Implications for <\/span>India’s<\/span> Logistics Landscape<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

      The Road Train\u2002system would have far-reaching implications for logistics and transportation sectors in India:<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Operational Efficiency:<\/span><\/strong> Moving increased volume per trip improves\u2002fuel economy for logistics companies, lowering per-unit transportation costs while driving competitive pricing and enhancing profit margins.<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Infrastructure Considerations:<\/span><\/strong> The elongated length of Road Trains requires\u2002wide and well-designed roadways. <\/span>This<\/span> could drive infrastructure\u2002construction to support such vehicles, especially on <\/span>important<\/span> freight routes.<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Reduced Environmental Footprint:<\/span><\/strong> With less travel comes reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions, globally aligning us towards environmental sustainability and combating climate change.<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Policy:<\/span><\/strong> Seeing Road Trains thrive\u2002might encourage lawmakers to revisit and refresh transportation legislation, leaping us ahead with widespread implementation of this form nationwide.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Challenges and Considerations<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

        Though the benefits are significant, the deployment of Road\u2002Trains in India has its fair share of challenges:<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Infrastructure:<\/span><\/strong> Not all highways\u2002and roads <\/span>are rated<\/span> for vehicles of this length and configuration. It will\u2002be imperative to upgrade existing infrastructure for safe and efficient operation.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Road Train Operation and\u2002Maintenance:<\/span><\/strong> Operating a Road Train requires specialised skills. These vehicles may require comprehensive training programs to ensure drivers have the <\/span>right<\/span> knowledge and skills to\u2002operate safely.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Road Train Safety:<\/span><\/strong> To protect road train operators and\u2002surrounding road users, educating other road users about sharing highways with road trains is of utmost importance.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Regulatory Compliance:<\/span><\/strong> Ongoing engagement with regulators will be required to overcome potential legislative obstacles\u2002and to develop standardised operating processes for Road Trains.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Conclusion<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

          With <\/span>Volvo\u2019s<\/span> Road Train system successfully operational, vehicles of such an innovative and efficient\u2002nature will only be a source of inspiration for more logistics companies and policymakers nationwide. Once more companies become aware of the already established success multi-trailer transport has had on moving freight faster and cheaper, one can expect multi-trailer solutions to expand in size and scope, mainly if laws regarding these transport solutions were to be refined by regulatory bodies. Moreover, with the evolution of technology, we can expect future Road Trains to embrace\u2002automation, innovative logistics systems, and improved AI-driven safety technologies, setting a new benchmark for freight transportation in India.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          Continuing the transformation of India’s logistics and transportation industry, Volvo Trucks introduced its first ‘Road Train‘ in\u2002India. A more extensive freight transport system, popular in countries such as Australia and the\u2002United States, uses a single truck to pick up multiple trailers in one run. The initiative, also the result of a collaboration with logistics major […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21868,"featured_media":159764,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12231,5511,11345,11315],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-159584","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-asia","8":"category-automobiles","9":"category-cars","10":"category-india"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/159584","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21868"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=159584"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/159584\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":159666,"href":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/159584\/revisions\/159666"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/159764"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=159584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=159584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=159584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}