is that despite developments in Traction Technology and high speed trains running at 350 kmph plus, a reality today, average speed of even the fastest Rajdhani, Shatabdi trains continues to be as low as 90 kmph. Although the maximum permissible speed of these trains have gone up to 150 kmph.
Main reason for lower average speeds of IR passenger trains are:
Heavy congestion on major trunk routes
Large number of permanent and temporary speed restrictions on trunk routes. On date there are as many as 135 speed restrictions on NDLS- HWH section.
Differential speeds of trains. Freight trains, commuter trains and passenger trains run on the same track.
Longer trains being driven by single loco. These Important trains having 21 to 24 coaches are being hauled by single loco.
Absence of Electrical brakes
Lower Acceleration Rate
Saving In Time:
Train sets can save 216 minutes or 3 hours and 36 minutes in run time.
Simulated run of 21 coach Rajdhani Train with WAP7 Loco for 8 hours with Permanent Speed restrictions only.
For more details regarding various advantages of Train sets and how IR can increase average speed of trains please refer:
click here (This Link is also the Link of the Attached Images)
Attached Images:
Acceleration Time taken by Locomotives
Acceleration Curve on 21 Coach train hauled by Diesel or Electric Loco
Time taken by Train set to achieve 130km per hour
Distance Travelled by Train set to achieve 130 km speed
Run with Loco hauled conventional Train
Run with Train set
My Courtesy to Mr Rajeev K Bhatnagar who is the Author of this Article and the Adviser Electrical(G), Railway Board in the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, responsible for major policy decisions regarding planning, procurement, maintenance and operations of Metro services, Suburban services, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Mail/Express and Mainline EMU and passenger trains running over Indian Railway Network. He is also responsible for Technical planning and Safety of Rolling Stock for all Metros in India.