Indian Railways is firming up a concrete plan to increase the maximum speed of Vande Bharat Express to 240 kmph on a dedicated track.
Currently, India’s first semi-high speed train is capable of running at a maximum speed of 180 kmph with operational speed of 160 kmph on an upgraded track.
According to the railways, a tender would be floated shortly to manufacture Vande Bharat trainsets which can run at a maximum speed of 240 kmph with an operational speed of 220 kmph.
There would be a dedicated track to run trains at more than 200 kmph and most likely the railways would opt for an elevated track to run trains at an increased speed of 240 kmph.
There are a few sections like Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Chandigarh where the elevated tracks can be laid to run trains at a maximum speed of 240 kmph. Besides, two routes in southern and western regions have been under consideration for elevated tracks for 240 kmph train service.
The railways has undertaken a massive exercise to upgrade Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai sections to 160 kmph by improving signalling systems and strengthening the rails besides fencing off the tracks.
Since the launching of the Vande Bharat trains in 2019, the railways has made operational 16 such services so far. But these trains are running at a maximum speed of 130 kmph because of the track position.
Tracks need to be strengthened along with signalling upgradation to run trains at 160 kmph and the railways is building these two sections on a priority basis.
Since the Vande Bharat train is running successfully at higher speed with faster acceleration and deceleration rate, the railways is planning to go beyond 180 kmph.
While till now Vande Bharat trains are being made of steel, future trainsets will be made of aluminium.
The aluminum body trainsets are energy efficient and more suitable for over 200 kmph speed.