Enhancing Speed and Efficiency in Indian Railways: Strategies and Future Prospects

Indian Railways (IR) is making significant strides in improving the speed and efficiency of its train network. Various strategic measures are being implemented to ensure that trains run more swiftly and effectively, contributing positively to the national transportation system and economic growth.

Strategic Steps to Increase Train Speed

IR has implemented several key initiatives to enhance the speed of its trains. One of the significant strategies is the pruning down of unviable stops, where the number of passengers is around 10,000. This initiative aims to cut down a total of 10,000 stops across various routes, thereby reducing the overall lag time and allowing more efficient movement of mail, express, and superfast trains. Additionally, the inter-division lag time at the last station or during the transition from one division to another is being eliminated, further reducing delays.

In another strategic move, around 350 passenger trains that travel more than 200 kilometers are being converted into express trains. This conversion is expected to increase the speed and convenience of travel while maintaining a competitive edge over slower services. Moreover, unviable and poorly performing passenger trains with low load factors are being targeted for elimination, with improvements expected post-COVID-19.

Dedicated Freight Corridors and Speed Infrastructure Improvements

The introduction of dedicated freight corridors (DFCs) in the Western and Eastern DFCs aims to free up the highly dense Mumbai-Delhi and Delhi-Kolkata corridors. By doing so, these critical routes can operate more efficiently, accommodating more goods and potentially enhancing the overall speed of freight services. Furthermore, measures are being taken to speed up all trains in the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata sectors to 130 kmph and even further to 160 kmph. This involves the improvisation of lines and signaling systems, contributing to smoother and faster operations.

Implementation of Speedier Coaches and Electrification Projects

To further enhance the speed and comfort of travel, Indian Railways is manufacturing LHB coaches capable of running at higher speeds and reducing travel time. The electrification of all railway zones is also a critical component, as it ensures that trains can run more smoothly and at higher speeds. These improvements are not only making long-distance travel faster but also allowing express trains to compete with premier trains like Rajdhani in terms of speed. For example, the journey from Jolarpettai, which has a curve along its route, has been significantly cut down in travel time, thanks to these advancements.

Setting a Standard Speed of 130 kmph on Trunk Routes

A notable initiative is the setting of a standard speed of 130 kmph on the trunk routes of Indian Railways. This ensures that trains receiving clearance to run at this speed will at least maintain a minimum of 120 kmph, a significant boost in speed that contributes to punctuality and improved punctuality in train schedules. Currently, most trains are allowed to run at 100 kmph, which means they cover only 20 km less every hour. With the new 130 kmph limit, trains can cover the same distance in 30 minutes or less, saving valuable time.

The impact of this speed enhancement cannot be overstated. If approximately 1,000 trains per day save an additional 10 minutes, the cumulative effect would be tremendous, positively affecting the economy and daily lives of millions of commuters. The mission, Mission Raftaar, is expected to see speed upgrades to 130 km/h on many routes in 2020 and 2021, achieving specific section-wise targets, as detailed below.

Conclusion

Indian Railways' ongoing efforts to enhance the speed and efficiency of its train network are aimed at providing faster, more reliable, and more convenient travel options to the population. These initiatives not only improve the nation's transportation infrastructure but also contribute significantly to economic growth and social development. As these improvements continue, the future of Indian Railways looks promising, offering passengers a faster and more delightful travel experience.

Mission Raftaar: Speed Upgrades to 130 km/h

Mission Raftaar is a comprehensive plan to upgrade the speed limits of key routes in Indian Railways. According to the detailed mission plan, the following sections are targeted for achieving a 130 kmph speed:

Mumbai-Ahmedabad route: Achieve a 130 kmph speed by 2020 Howrah-Delhi route: Achieve a 130 kmph speed by 2021, with selected sections already achieving this speed Chennai-Mysuru route: Aim for a 130 kmph speed by 2022

These targets align with IR's broader goals of improving punctuality, reducing travel time, and enhancing the overall quality of railway transportation in India.