Central Railway Boosts Train Speeds to 130 kmph
The Central Railway has increased the maximum speed of trains on the Daund-Solapur-Wadi section from 110 kmph to 130 kmph, significantly enhancing passenger convenience and cutting travel times. This speed upgrade, applied to 44 pairs of trains, comes after extensive infrastructure development spanning 341.80 kilometres in both directions.
“Infrastructure upgrades like track improvements, Overhead Equipment (OHE) regulation, signal enhancements, and technical modifications were carried out on a war footing. These efforts allowed us to increase train speeds to 130 kmph,” a senior Central Railway official confirmed. The speed enhancement impacts prominent trains such as the LTT-Coimbatore Express, CSMT-Bengaluru Udyan Express, Pune-Secunderabad Shatabdi Express, and the Vande Bharat Express services on the CSMT-Solapur and Kalaburagi-Bengaluru routes. With this development, travel times for these trains are expected to decrease further, aligning with upcoming timetable revisions. The benefits of the speed upgrade extend beyond convenience. “The reduced travel time means passengers will experience quicker and more efficient journeys, improving productivity and overall satisfaction. Moreover, it offers economic advantages by saving time and fostering better connectivity between cities,” the official added.
Faster trains also support environmental sustainability. Lower fuel consumption results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint, aligning with Central Railway’s commitment to green initiatives. Additionally, the improved efficiency is expected to attract more passengers, enhancing competitiveness and market share. Safety remains paramount in this project. Comprehensive inspections and adherence to all safety protocols, including addressing temporary and permanent speed restrictions, were undertaken before implementing the speed enhancements. This upgrade is part of Central Railway’s broader strategy to modernise services and meet the growing demand for faster, more reliable transportation. By combining passenger comfort, sustainability, and economic efficiency, this initiative marks another step toward transforming India’s rail infrastructure.
