India’s First Road Train Flagged Off in Nagpur by Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has flagged off India’s first Road Train in Nagpur. Developed by Volvo Trucks and operated by Delhivery Ltd., this innovative long-haul transport solution boosts efficiency and capacity in the logistics sector.
Formally incorporated into regulations in 2020, the Road Train concept allows vehicle lengths of up to 25.25 meters. It consists of a tractor unit towing multiple trailers, significantly increasing cargo capacity and optimizing freight movement.
Volvo Truck’s Road Train features the industry-leading Volvo FM 420 4x2 tractor, a 24-ft containerized intermediate trailer, and a 44-ft semi-trailer, delivering a combined cargo volume of 144 cubic meters—50% higher than standard semi-trailers. Following successful completion of rigorous testing and trials, Volvo FM 420 4X2 Road Train is certified by MoRTH and ARAI for operation between Delhivery hubs of Nagpur and Bhiwandi.
The Volvo FM 420 4X2 Road Train is equipped with advanced safety features, including Electronic Braking System (EBS) and Electronic Stability Program (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.
Commenting on the launch, Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., stated, "The Volvo FM 420 4X2 road train is another pioneering introduction by Volvo Trucks for the Indian market. 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. Volvo Trucks India is grateful to Shri Nitin Gadkariji, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and ARAI for championing such advancements, and we remain committed to bringing more global innovations to India."
Suraj Saharan, Co-founder and Chief People’s Officer at Delhivery, said, "We're excited to further strengthen our partnership with Volvo Trucks as we advance towards high-efficiency, sustainable long-haul logistics. From adopting tractor-trailers to LNG and electric trucks, Volvo has been a key enabler in our journey. Road trains are a natural next step, perfectly suited to our high-volume line-haul operations. With India's expressway network expanding rapidly, we look forward to scaling this innovation across more routes in the near future."
Emphasizing Volvo Trucks’ unwavering commitment to safety and efficiency, B. Dinakar, EVP & Business Head, Volvo Trucks India, remarked, "Beyond productivity and cost-effectiveness, our focus is on the safe integration of this pioneering solution on Indian roads. I am grateful to the ministry for having certified this path-breaking solution. We will now work to implement this highly efficient and safe transport solution in other suitable sectors."
