Environmental SWOT Analysis of a Double Stack Container Freight Train Powered by Electric Traction

Abstract Rapid growth of world population, industrialization, urbanization, construction of infrastructural facilities, development of resources and agricultural expansion across the planet in today’s scenario is responsible for heavy pressure on transportation network. Railway play an important role in ensuring reliable, secured and quick transportation of both passengers and goods. This method of transportation is suitable for long distance transportation with large capacity. Double stack container freight train powered by electric traction is now becoming popular across the world to reduce stress on railways. It has numerous advantages and some of the limitations including need of improved infrastructure. With this background, the present study attempts to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to double track freight trains. The study utilizes both first hand and secondary data. It concludes that, there is a wide scope for expansion of double stack freight trains across the globe. Nevertheless, there is a need to supply electricity generated using renewable resources, operation of trains with optimum capacity, implementation of effective measures to reduce noise and air pollution and careful handling of freight.