The Hindu : Speed limit of superfast trains to be increased

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 25, 2003

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National

Speed limit of superfast trains to be increased

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI APRIL 24. There is no proposal to restrict the speed of super fast trains to check derailment and Government proposes to increase the speed limit of these trains from 130 km per hour to 150 km this year.

Providing this categorical information during the question hour, the Railway Minister, Nitish Kumar, said that in sabotage-prone areas, special security measures were being taken by the railways in coordination with State Governments, including running pilot engines and heightened patrolling, as per the recommendations of the Commissioner (Railway Safety).

He said so far the State Governments used to provide security to railway installations, but now the railways had entered into this ``new domain'' along with State agencies.

Asserting that there was no proposal to reduce the speed of super fast trains, he said the proposed bullet train between Mumbai and Goa on the Konkan Railways with a speed of 150 km per hour would be started this year itself. ``Trial runs have already been completed.''

Differentiating between super fast and high-speed trains operating in Japan and other developed nations at 250-300 km per hour, he indicated there was no possibility at present to introduce high-speed ones as it entails heavy investments.

The number of derailments had decreased from 280 in 2001-02 to the provisional figure of 216 in 2002-03, he said.

Answering another question, Mr. Kumar said railway land was being leased for railway-related works and even afforestation, but the earlier policy of leasing for commercial purposes had been done away with.

First class/AC 2 tier complimentary card passes issued to Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra gallantry awardees have been made valid for travel in AC 2 tier/AC 3 tier of Rajdhani and Chair Car of Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi Express trains.

Anti-collision device

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday returned the Railway Appropriation Bill, 2003, with a voice vote after the Railway Minister, Nitish Kumar, assured better passenger comfort and reduction in accidents with the installation of the anti-collision device. With the Lok Sabha already having passed the Bill, the Railway budget stands approved.

Replying to the debate on the Bill, Mr. Nitish Kumar said accidents would be a thing of the past after the installation of the anti-collision device within five years. The device automatically applied brakes in case of a collision.

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