Volvo Tractor-Trailer Road Train Launched In India: Is It A Safe Solution?
Published On Feb 18, 2025 06:04 PM
Recently, Volvo Trucks introduced the road train system in India. Here’s what makes it a safe solution for businesses.
Key Highlights
- Volvo Trucks has unveiled the first 'Road Train' cargo transport system in India with top-class safety features.
- The ‘Road Train’ system can extend up to 25.25 metres in length as per the certification approved by the MoRTH and ARAI.
- In the first phase, the road train tractor-trailers will operate between Delhivery's major hubs in Nagpur and Bhiwandi.
In a move that underscores the company's commitment to enhancing India’s commercial vehicle space and offering advanced solutions for logistics, Volvo Trucks has unveiled the first 'Road Train' cargo transport system in India. The company has launched this innovative vehicle haulage system, in the country, integrating the setup in the truck fleet of Delhivery. The Volvo tractor-based road train vehicle was unveiled in Nagpur on February 15, 2025, with Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari as part of the event. The new haulage system is expected to enhance the efficiency of logistics and drive profitability.
What Is The Road Train Concept?
The ‘Road Train’ system, as the name suggests is a tractor hauling multiple trailers which can extend up to 25.25 metres in length. This enables logistics to carry large and voluminous loads for driving high-profit outcomes ensuring faster turnaround times. To point out, the Volvo ‘Road Train’ vehicle is based on the Volvo FM 420 4x2 tractor unit towing two trailers; one with the 24-foot container and the other being a 44-foot trailer. This tractor-trailer combination enables businesses to haul cargo with a 144 cubic meters cargo volume, increasing the capacity by 50 percent compared to traditional trucks in India.
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Insights: Volvo Trucks Comments
Vinod Aggarwal, MD and CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “The Volvo FM 420 4X2 road train is another innovative mobility solution introduced 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.”
Suraj Saharan, co-founder and chief people’s officer, Delhivery, said, “Adding the Volvo FM 420 4x2 road train-based tractor-trailers marks the latest addition to our commercial-grade truck fleet from Volvo. The company has been a key enabler in our journey. Road trains are the next step, perfectly suited to carry out our high-volume line-haulage operations.
Conclusion: Is The Volvo Road Train Safe?
Volvo Trucks, known for their innovations and cutting-edge technology globally did not shy away from integrating advanced safety technology into their FM 420 4x2 road train configuration in India. The vehicle integrates an electronic braking system (EBS) and electronic stability program (ESP) for setting high safety standards among logistics that depend on their vehicles. What do these systems do? To begin with, EBS enables the truck to shorten the braking distance as much as possible. It uses sensors to analyse the vehicle’s speed and brake pedal pressure to apply brakes accordingly. The system works closely with a retarder and anti-lock braking systems.
Meanwhile, the ESP system integrates a module or control unit that continuously receives information from a variety of sensors. It helps the system evaluate the driving situation several times per second. If the system detects that the truck is starting to lose traction or behave abnormally, the ESP reduces engine torque or activates the brakes individually to reduce speed and bring the truck under control. That’s not it, the vehicle incorporates a self-steering axle on the trailer, a dashboard load monitoring system, and a hill descent control system that manages the traction of the vehicle even when operating the vehicle in load conditions on downhill slopes. Hence, if you would have to ask us, the road train is a safe solution in ideal operating environments.
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