Indian Railways Adjusts Speed of Gatimaan Express and Vande Bharat Trains to 130 kmph Amid Safety Upgrade
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/30th June 2024
In a recent development, the Railway Board has decided to reduce the operating speed of India’s semi-high speed trains, including Gatimaan Express and Vande Bharat, from 160 kmph to 130 kmph. This decision comes in light of ongoing efforts to implement the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system across key routes.
The directive, issued by the Railway Board’s executive director (signal) to the North Central Railway (NCR) zone, underscores the need for enhanced safety measures following a recent tragic incident involving Kanchanjunga Express in West Bengal. The accident, which claimed 10 lives, has prompted a reassessment of safety protocols and operational speeds.
Gatimaan Express, India’s inaugural semi-high speed train launched in April 2016, operates at 160 kmph only along specific sections of the Hazarat Nizamuddin (New Delhi) to Agra route, where the track conditions are conducive to higher speeds. Similarly, Vande Bharat Express, known for its speed and efficiency, also faced speed restrictions on the New Delhi to Agra stretch despite its capability of higher speeds on other routes.
According to railway sources, the decision to reduce speeds was implemented swiftly after the Kanchanjunga Express incident, with directives initially issued to decrease speeds on June 22, 2024. The formal directive from the Railway Board followed shortly thereafter on June 25, 2024.
“The Railway Board’s decision to reduce speeds to 130 kmph until the full implementation of IR-ATP Kavach is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring passenger safety,” commented a railway source from the Delhi Rail Division.
The implementation of the IR-ATP Kavach system involves strategic placements of RFID tags, installation of stationary units, and the setup of towers and antennas along critical stretches. This system, developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), is designed to automatically apply brakes in emergencies where the train operator may fail to respond promptly.
Currently, the Agra division is actively involved in the installation and trial of the Kavach system along an 80-km stretch between Mathura and Palwal. Although operational use is pending, the system’s readiness is being diligently tested to ensure seamless integration into routine train operations.
The decision to lower speeds on Gatimaan Express and Vande Bharat highlights Indian Railways’ commitment to prioritizing passenger safety while simultaneously advancing infrastructure upgrades. As efforts continue to fortify rail networks across India, including the deployment of advanced safety systems, the Railway Board remains focused on enhancing operational efficiencies and ensuring a secure travel experience for all passengers.
