Shatabdi speed to go up to 160 km on select routes

The Railways is gearing up to run Shatabdi Express at 160 km per hour speed to reduce travel time between Delhi-Agra and Delhi-Chandigarh 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.

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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." 

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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 up to 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.

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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.