Indian railways to reduce the speed of high speed trains

Indian Railways has decided to reduce the speed of high-speed trains, including the Vande Bharat and Gatiman Express, on select routes due to safety concerns.

The decision aims to mitigate risks associated with the failure of the Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS) on certain routes. As a result, the speeds of these trains will be reduced from 160 kmph to 130 kmph.

The reduction in speed will require changes to the timings of at least 10 other premium trains.

On most routes, the Vande Bharat Express trains already operate at 130 kmph, except for specific stretches like the Delhi-Kanpur sector, which are capable of supporting 160 kmph speeds.

According to media reports, the Northern Railway had proposed reducing the speed to 130 kmph back on November 6, 2023, but the proposal was pending with the Railway Board.

However, following the recent Kanchanjunga Express accident, a renewed proposal was submitted on June 25, 2024, emphasising the need for this speed reduction.

A senior railway official explained that the adjustment in speed is a response to the failure of safety and warning systems on the Delhi-Agra-Jhansi routes.

 This change will impact the schedules of at least 10 other superfast express trains, requiring a revision in their timings.

The proposal for the speed reduction was submitted by the North Central Railway to the Railway Board.

 It specifically suggested slowing down Train No 12050/12049 Delhi-Jhansi-Delhi Gatiman Express, Train No 22470/22469 Delhi-Khajuraho-Delhi Vande Bharat Express, Train No 20172/20171 Delhi-Rani Kamalapati-Delhi Vande Bharat Express, and Train No 12002/12001 Delhi-Rani Kamalapati-Delhi Shatabdi Express.