allworld.mediaNews from all over the world
Train speeds on the New Delhi-Mumbai route planned to be increased to 160 km/h
Read more
Aaj Tak
www.aajtak.in

Train speeds on the New Delhi-Mumbai route planned to be increased to 160 km/h

For passengers traveling from New Delhi to Mumbai, rail travel may become significantly faster in the future. The railway company is preparing to increase train speeds on this route to 160 kilometers per hour. The goal is to reduce the journey time between New Delhi and Mumbai to approximately 12 hours. In this regard, the railway is continuously modernizing necessary infrastructure elements such as tracks, electrification, signaling, and other systems.

The latest information on this project came from the Agra division, where a new 2x25 kV AC substation (TSS) was commissioned on September 7. This work is part of the 'Mission Raftaar' program and aims to prepare the Palwal-Mathura section on the New Delhi-Mumbai route for high-speed train operation.

The distance between New Delhi and Mumbai is about 1427 kilometers. Currently, the fastest train on this section is the Pune AC Duronto express, which covers this distance in approximately 15 hours and 24 minutes. The Tejas Rajdhani express arrives in Mumbai in about 15 hours and 40 minutes, while the August Kranti Rajdhani takes around 16 hours and 50 minutes.

The railway is modernizing an 84-kilometer (RKM) section between Palwal and Mathura, covering about 336 kilometers of tracks (TKM). Work is being carried out at multiple levels on this stretch to create the necessary foundation for future high-speed train operation up to 160 kilometers per hour. These works include changes to Overhead Equipment (OHE), installation of super masts and auxiliary conductors (AEC), strengthening traction and power supply systems, improving signaling and telecommunication systems, as well as depot reconstruction and other civil and mechanical works. Specifically, efforts are currently focused on AEC work, mast installation, and station zone commissioning on the Mathura-Bhuteshwar (MTJ-BTSR) section.

A reliable and powerful power supply system is critical for operating high-speed trains. A TSS substation has been commissioned under this direction. Additionally, the Kosiklan, Mathura, and Sholakan substations have already been commissioned. Final testing of the Brindavan substation is currently underway, and final testing of the Kotwan substation is planned to be completed by September 15. The Hodal and Ajhai facility commissionings are scheduled for September. The goal is also set to prepare the Rundi-Palwal traction substation by September 25. The connection of the Rundi substation and the power line to the grid is planned for October.

This entire modernization program will rely on the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. After its launch, the traction power supply network will be controllable and manageable remotely from the Agra control center. This will allow the railway to monitor the entire power supply network from one location, simplifying system control and enabling prompt response in case of problems.

The modernization affects not only the tracks and power supply but also the Mathura and Bhuteshwar depots. Depot reconstruction is an important part of the speed increase project. Phase II involves work on a new feeder line, the fourth line, and connections in the Bhuteshwar depot. According to the railway, these key works are expected to be completed by September 30, 2026.

Similar stories

Vande Bharat Sleeper high-speed train tested at 160 km/h with Kavach system check
Read more
www.aajtak.in

Vande Bharat Sleeper high-speed train tested at 160 km/h with Kavach system check

During journeys, passengers usually pay attention to speed, schedule, and amenities; however, the faster the train moves, the more serious the safety issue becomes. This is especially relevant in conditions where the railway is preparing to expand its network of semi-high-speed and high-speed trains in the country. Therefore, it is crucial not only to accelerate train movement but also to ensure that the safety system operates quickly and reliably in case of danger.

As part of this process, Indian Railways has taken an important step. On the Hazrat Nizamuddin – Palwal route, a 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper train was run at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour to test the 'Kavach' safety system. During these tests, special attention was paid to the communication system between the train and the station.

The North Western Railway conducted this high-speed test between Hazrat Nizamuddin and Palwal. For the first time on this section, the 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper train was launched at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour. According to the report, the train departed from Hazrat Nizamuddin on September 9th around 13:38 and arrived at Palwal at 14:21. After a stop of approximately 31 minutes, the train departed again at 14:52 and returned to Hazrat Nizamuddin at 15:32.

Approximately 50 kilometers were covered between the two stations during this movement. However, the train did not move continuously at 160 kilometers per hour across the entire route. Construction work was underway on the Faridabad main line, and both main lines were closed. As a result, the train traveled on a loop line, and its speed had to be reduced when passing through stations.

The purpose of this high-speed run was not only to test the speed of the Vande Bharat Sleeper. The Kavach communication system was also tested during the trials. According to the report, communication between the driver and the station remained uninterrupted throughout the journey. Railway representatives stated that no communication failures were observed. This system is considered critically important when operating trains at high speeds.

Kavach is an indigenous automatic train protection system of Indian Railways. Its function is to provide the driver with necessary warnings during movement and enhance the level of safety in case of a threat. If necessary, this system can automatically brake the train. The goal of Kavach is to minimize risks associated with signal violations, train collisions, and human error. In January, the Ministry of Railways announced that the Kavach complex developed in the country has been installed in the Vande Bharat Sleeper train.

According to officials, the high-speed check was successful. Previously, about 30 such tests were conducted on the New Delhi – Palwal route. Now, Indian Railways is working on a large-scale expansion of the Kavach system across its network. This is important for the railway because the number of high-speed trains is planned to increase in the future. Under such conditions, simply increasing the train's speed is not enough; the safety technology must be equally reliable. This Vande Bharat Sleeper test is considered an important step in this direction.

Popular