In a major boost for passengers across India, Indian Railways has announced the acceleration of 549 key trains, promising to shave off more than one hour from journey times on popular routes. This ambitious initiative targets some of the busiest corridors, where delays have long frustrated commuters and long-distance travelers alike.
The speed enhancement comes after meticulous planning and infrastructure upgrades, including track doubling, signaling improvements, and advanced train control systems. Railway officials revealed that trains on high-density routes like Delhi-Mumbai, Howrah-Delhi, and Chennai-Kolkata will benefit the most, with average speeds increasing by 20-30 kmph in select sections.
Passengers can expect shorter travel durations without compromising safety. For instance, the iconic Rajdhani Express between New Delhi and Mumbai will now cover the distance in under 15 hours, trimming nearly 90 minutes off its previous schedule. Similar gains are projected for Vande Bharat semi-high-speed trains and several Duronto services.
This move aligns with Indian Railways’ Vision 2024, aiming for average speeds of 250 kmph on premium routes and 160 kmph on express trains. The upgrades are part of a Rs 2.5 lakh crore investment in modernization, focusing on reducing travel time to enhance economic productivity and passenger comfort.
Industry experts hail the decision as a game-changer for rail travel in India. ‘Faster trains mean more efficient logistics and happier passengers,’ said a logistics analyst. However, challenges remain, including maintaining punctuality during peak hours and ensuring seamless integration across zones.
Railway Minister has termed this a ‘gift to the nation,’ urging passengers to book early as demand surges. With online ticketing platforms already reporting higher queries, the real impact will unfold in the coming months as these faster services roll out nationwide.