Indian Railways is revolutionizing travel with a sweeping speed upgrade for 549 trains, set to save passengers over an hour on major routes. This landmark decision addresses longstanding complaints about sluggish speeds and overcrowded schedules, bringing relief to millions who rely on the world’s fourth-largest rail network.
Detailed route analysis preceded the changes, prioritizing sections with completed electrification and strengthened tracks. Key beneficiaries include the Golden Quadrilateral routes connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, where sectional speeds will rise significantly.
Take the Mumbai Rajdhani: its journey time drops by 65 minutes, arriving fresher for business travelers. Shatabdi and Garib Rath trains on Delhi-Lucknow and other corridors will also zip through faster, thanks to relaxed speed restrictions in 1,200 km of upgraded track.
Safety remains paramount, with the speed hikes approved only after rigorous trials by the Commission of Railway Safety. Advanced technologies like the Automatic Train Protection (Kavach) system ensure zero compromise on passenger security amid higher velocities.
Economically, the upgrades promise ripple effects. Faster freight alongside passenger trains could boost GDP by optimizing supply chains. Passenger feedback from pilot runs has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the smoother rides and reduced fatigue.
As implementation kicks off next month, Indian Railways anticipates a surge in ridership. ‘This is about making India move faster,’ proclaimed a senior official. Travelers are advised to check updated timetables on the IRCTC app to plan their journeys accordingly, marking a new era of efficient rail travel.
