To reduce travel time between Delhi-Agra and Delhi-Chandigarh,
railways is gearing up to run Shatabdi Express at 160 km per hour speed on
these routes by the year-end.
"We have given the responsibility of preparing detailed
project report for running semi-high speed train in Delhi-Agra and
Delhi-Chandigarh route to High-Speed Rail Corporation," Chairman Railway
Board Arunendra Kumar said.
The two routes have been selected as a pilot project for running
trains at a higher speed up to 160 km per hour on the existing track,
locomotives and coaches.
"The HSRC has been told to submit the report in three
months and we are hoping to do something concrete by the year-end," he said.
Asked whether a new track will be laid for the semi-high speed
train, Kumar said, "the existing track and rolling stock are capable for
higher speed. There will be only minor upgradation of the track as well as
coaches and engines."
He also said there could be fencing of track at certain
location. "These are the issues like fencing, upgradation of signalling
system, track and coaches which will be examined and suggested by the HSRC in
its report."
Currently, the Shatabdi train picks up speed upto 140 km at
certain stretch in the Delhi-Agra route. For Chandigarh Shatabdi, the maximum
speed is ranging between 110 km and 120 Km.
According to a senior HSRC official, besides fencing of certain
stretch near the thick populated localities and upgradation of locos and
coaches, signalling system has also been improved to ensure the increased speed
of train at 160 km per hour.
The level crossings along the route are also to be eliminated to
maintain the speed.
The HSRC official, however, said the maximum speed can be 160 km
per hour and not beyond that as it will require major changes in the existing
system.
CRB said the two routes are being taken up as a pilot project
and it can be replicated on other routes after the successful trial on these
routes.
HSRC was recently formed to execute the ambitious high speed
rail project.
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