Central Railway is on a mission to enhance its services for passengers, achieving remarkable progress in increasing train speeds and surpassing targets for track renewal and maintenance for the year 2023-24.
Infrastructure Enhancements
The railway’s efforts include multitracking, Over Head Equipment regulation, Signalling works, and various technical improvements across sections to elevate train speeds.
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Safety and Comfort Prioritized
To ensure safety and passenger comfort, Central Railway is maintaining tracks to the highest standards and replacing aging components. The railway is not just meeting but exceeding track maintenance and renewal targets for the year.
Sections Achieving 130 kmph
Thanks to these initiatives, trains on the following sections can now travel at 130 kmph:
- Pune-Daund: 75.59 kms
- Itarsi-Nagpur-Wardha-Ballarshah: 509.05 kms
- Wardha-Badnera: 95.44 kms
- Igatpuri-Nashik-Bhusaval-Akola-Badnera: 526.65 kms
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Ongoing Progress
Work is underway to increase speeds on the Daund-Solapur-Kalaburagi-Wadi section (337.44 kms). Additionally, speed enhancements from 75 kmph to 110 kmph on the Puntamba-Shirdi section (17 kms) and from 65 kmph to 90 kmph on the Badnera-Amravati section (9 kms) have been accomplished.
Future Plans for Speed Increase
Central Railway has ambitious plans for speed upgrades in various sections:
- Badnera-Chandur Bazar: 100 kmph to 110 kmph (42 kms)
- Majri-Wani-Pimpalkhuti and Paraisia-iChhindwara: 50 kmph to 110 kmph (79 kms and 29 kms, respectively)
- Jalamb-Khamgaon: 60 kmph to 90 kmph (12 kms)
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Mumbai Suburban Section Enhancements
In the Mumbai Suburban section, speed increases are anticipated as follows:
- Tilak Nagar-Panvel: 80 kmph to 105 kmph (33 kms)
- Thane-Vashi: 80 kmph to 105 kmph (18 kms)
- Nerul-Kharkopar: 80 kmph to 105 kmph (9 kms)
- Karjat-Khopoli: 60 kmph to 90 kmph (15 kms)
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Permanent Speed Restrictions Removed
Efforts to improve track geometry have led to the removal of nine Permanent Speed Restrictions (PSRs) as of November 30, 2023, with ongoing work to remove more. This strategic approach ensures increased train speeds while maintaining safety standards.
Improved Punctuality
The increased train speeds, coupled with the removal of PSRs, contribute to a reduction in running time, enhancing the overall punctuality of train movements. Central Railway remains committed to providing a safe and pleasant journey to its commuters, continuously striving for excellence.
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