Volvo Trucks unveiled the country’s first Road Train, flagged off by Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in Nagpur. Operated by Delhivery Ltd, this transport solution is set to redefine long-haul logistics with enhanced efficiency and increased cargo capacity.
Introduced into Indian regulations in 2020, the Road Train concept permits vehicle lengths of up to 25.25 m. It involves a tractor unit towing two or more trailers, significantly boosting cargo capacity compared to conventional trucks.
Volvo’s Road Train showcases the cutting-edge Volvo FM 420 4×2 tractor, combined with a 24-ft containerized intermediate trailer and a 44-ft semi-trailer, achieving an impressive cargo volume of 144 cubic m—50 per cent more than standard semi-trailers. After rigorous testing and trials, the Volvo FM 420 4X2 Road Train received certification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for its operational route between Delhivery hubs in Nagpur and Bhiwandi.
Prioritizing safety and performance, the Volvo FM 420 4X2 Road Train is equipped with advanced features, including an Electronic Braking System (EBS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), a 360-degree camera system, a self-steerable axle on the trailer, a dashboard load monitor, downhill cruise control, and a stretch brake for enhanced stability and control.
Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd, commented on the launch, “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 Nitin Gadkari, 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, Delhivery, added, “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.”
With the launch of India’s first Road Train, Volvo Trucks is not only enhancing logistics efficiency but also setting new standards for sustainable and cost-effective freight solutions. As India’s expressway network continues to expand, Volvo’s innovative approach is poised to revolutionize long-haul transportation in the country.