Indian Railways Enhances Speed and Connectivity
Indian Railways is making significant strides in improving train travel across the country. Recent announcements from railway officials reveal that over one-fifth of India’s railway tracks now support speeds of up to 130 km/h. This development is part of a broader initiative to enhance safety and efficiency on the rail network. With upgraded infrastructure and modern technology, Indian Railways aims to reduce journey times and improve connectivity for millions of passengers.
Speed Upgrades Across the Network
Indian Railways has confirmed that approximately 23,000 track kilometres (TKM) of its total network of 1.03 lakh TKM can now accommodate trains running at speeds of 130 km/h. This upgrade is a significant achievement, as it represents a commitment to enhancing the travel experience for passengers. The railway officials noted that the speed increase is made possible through improved safety measures, including fencing and modern signalling systems.
In addition to the 130 km/h tracks, 54,337 TKM of the railway network can support speeds of up to 110 km/h. Currently, 2,741 TKM of the network has been upgraded to this speed, with a target of reaching 5,000 TKM by the end of the fiscal year. These enhancements are crucial for the efficient movement of both passenger and freight trains, allowing for faster travel times and increased capacity.
The focus on speed upgrades is not limited to existing tracks. Indian Railways is also working on major stretches of the Golden Quadrilateral, which will facilitate semi-high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h. This ambitious plan aims to transform the railway experience in India, making it more competitive with other modes of transportation.
Financial Performance and Growth
The financial performance of Indian Railways has shown positive trends in recent months. During the first nine months of the current fiscal year, the railway authority reported a 4% increase in earnings compared to the previous year. Capital expenditure also rose by 2%, reaching Rs 1.92 lakh crore. This financial growth reflects the ongoing investments in infrastructure and services, which are essential for maintaining and expanding the railway network.
Freight operations have been a significant contributor to this revenue increase, generating Rs 1.26 lakh crore during the same period. The passenger segment also saw a 6% rise in earnings, totaling Rs 55,988 crore. These figures indicate a robust demand for rail services, driven by improved connectivity and service reliability.
The total revenue for Indian Railways reached Rs 1.93 lakh crore, marking an increase of Rs 7,674 crore from the previous year. This growth is attributed to enhanced freight loading, which rose by 2% to 1,179 million tonnes. The railway authority’s commitment to improving services has resulted in a record number of train runs, with over 2.07 million services operated during this period.
Expanding Services and Special Trains
In response to growing demand, Indian Railways has expanded its services significantly. The number of train services, including mail, express, and passenger trains, increased by 3% compared to the previous year. This expansion has resulted in an all-time high record of train runs, surpassing the 2.02 million services operated in the same period last year.
To accommodate peak demand periods, special train services have seen a remarkable 54% increase, totaling 57,169 services. The railway authority has introduced a new timetable that includes 62 special trains on popular routes. Additionally, the new schedule features 74 additional services, including 34 pairs of Vande Bharat trains, which are known for their speed and modern amenities.
These enhancements are part of Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to provide better service to passengers. The introduction of new trains and services aims to meet the needs of travelers while ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey. As Indian Railways continues to invest in its infrastructure and services, passengers can look forward to a more connected and faster railway network in the coming years.
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