World News for Students of English

02-11-2026 07:00

South Africa’s state-owned logistics company, Transnet, has successfully tested a 7.6-kilometre freight train and claimed to set a new world record.

In a test journey, the colossal train, powered by a combination of electric and diesel locomotives, consisted of 696 empty wagons and covered 860 kilometers between a western coastal port and an inland iron ore mine. According to company officials, the test run surpassed the previous record established in 2001 by a 7.2-kilometre freight train operating in Western Australia.

Transnet presented the successful trial as a significant breakthrough for the nation’s freight transport network, which relies heavily on efficient rail systems to export raw minerals. However, industry observers note that the record claim currently originates directly from Transnet itself, and they await external verification.

Difficult words: colossal (extremely large), iron ore (a natural rock or mineral from which metallic iron can be extracted), verification (establishing the truth, accuracy, or validity of something).

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