Finance
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, launched India’s first “Road Train” in Nagpur on Saturday, ushering in a new era of long-haul transportation that will increase efficiency and capacity in the logistics business.
Aligned with the government’s ‘Gati Shakti’ master plan, the ‘Road Train’ idea was fully introduced into laws in 2020, permitting vehicle lengths of up to 25.25 metres. A ‘Road Train’ comprises of a tractor unit carrying two or more trailers, which considerably increases cargo capacity.
Volvo Truck’s ‘Road Train’ consists of a 24-foot containerized intermediate trailer and a 44-foot semi-trailer, with a combined cargo volume of 144 cubic meters, which is 50% higher than ordinary semi-trailers.
Following the successful completion of rigorous testing and trials, Volvo FM 420 4X2 Road Train is certified by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for operation between Delhivery hubs of Nagpur and Bhiwandi.
“Designed to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of road transport, it aligns perfectly with ongoing transformation in Indian logistics and the government’s Gati Shakti master plan,” said Vinod Aggarwal, MD and CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd.
The Volvo ‘FM 420 4X2 Road Train’ is equipped with advanced safety features, including Electronic Braking System (EBS) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), 360-degree camera system, self-steerable axle on the trailer, dashboard load monitor, downhill cruise control, stretch brake for enhanced stability and control, to name a few.
According to Suraj Saharan, Co-Founder and Chief People’s Officer at Delhivery, “Volvo has been a key enabler in our journey” from tractor-trailers to LNG and electric trucks.
Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the world. Volvo Trucks is a division of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s major manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment, marine and industrial engines. VE Commercial Vehicles Limited (VECV) is a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors Limited.
Source: IANS
