India’s First Road Trains Seen Plying on Samruddhi Mahamarg: A New Era in Long-Haul Logistics
Nagpur, June 10, 2025: In a landmark move for India’s logistics sector, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, had flagged off the country’s first Road Train in Nagpur. Developed by Volvo Trucks and operated by Delhivery Ltd. on February 15, 2025 in Nagpur. Now these road trains are being spotted on the Samruddhi Mahamarg, regularly plying between Nagpur and Bhiwandi (Mumbai).
This innovative solution promises to revolutionize long-haul transportation by significantly enhancing efficiency and cargo capacity.
What is a Road Train?
The Road Train concept, formally incorporated into Indian regulations in 2020, allows for vehicle lengths of up to 25.25 meters. It consists of a tractor unit towing two or more trailers, drastically increasing freight volume compared to conventional semi-trailers.
Volvo’s Cutting-Edge Road Train Specifications
The Volvo FM 420 4×2 Road Train features:
- A 24-ft containerized intermediate trailer
- A 44-ft semi-trailer
- A combined cargo volume of 144 cubic meters—50% higher than standard semi-trailers
After rigorous testing and trials, the model has been certified by MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) and ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) for operations between Delhivery’s Nagpur and Bhiwandi hubs.
With the completion of the final phase of Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, these road trains are frequently seen plying on this expressway. Currently logistics company Delhivery is using these road trains to haul bulk cargo.
These trains are particularly suited to run on this highway owing to the straight alignment of the carriageways, as opposed to many other expressways where there are a lot of bends and narrow passages, making these behemoths unsuitable.
Watch video of road train on Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Mahamarg:
Advanced Safety & Efficiency Features
Volvo’s Road Train is equipped with state-of-the-art safety technologies, including:
- Electronic Braking System (EBS)
- 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
Industry Leaders Hail the Innovation
Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., said:
“The Volvo FM 420 4X2 Road Train is a pioneering introduction for the Indian market, aligning with the government’s Gati Shakti master plan. We are grateful to Shri Nitin Gadkari ji and MoRTH for championing such advancements.”
Suraj Saharan, Co-founder & Chief People’s Officer, Delhivery, added:
“Road trains are a natural next step in our high-volume logistics operations. With India’s expressway network expanding, we look forward to scaling this innovation across more routes.”
B. Dinakar, EVP & Business Head, Volvo Trucks India, emphasized:
“Beyond productivity, our focus is on safe integration of this solution on Indian roads. We will now implement this across other suitable sectors.”
The Future of Indian Logistics
Volvo Trucks, in partnership with Delhivery, will deploy telematics-driven tractor-trailer combos for faster, cost-effective cargo movement. These custom-built solutions are designed to:
- Operate over 20 hours a day
- Cover 3,00,000 km annually
- Double efficiency compared to current vehicles
With the recent opening of the Samruddhi Expressway, these double trailers (Road Trains) are becoming a common sight, signaling a transformative shift in India’s freight transportation landscape.
