Speeding Ahead: Enhancing Loop Line Train Velocity

The East Coast Railway Zone is seeking approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety to increase train speeds on loop lines from 30 kmph to 40 kmph. Currently, Indian Railways caps train speeds at 130 kmph, necessitating a drop to 30 kmph on loop lines, affecting punctuality.

The East Coast Railway Zone is seeking regulatory approval to increase train speeds on loop lines from the current 30 kmph to 40 kmph, in a bid to enhance punctuality on the tracks. Currently, regulations require trains to decelerate significantly as they transition from main lines to the loop.

An official from the zone emphasized that this speedrestriction has been a bottleneck, and a trial is essential to evaluate the impact of a marginal increase. “We've sought approval from the Railway Board to move forward with the trial,” the official stated, expecting a favorable response.

However, according to railway rules, introducing higher speeds would require advanced safety technology improvements, as certain loco veterans caution against rushing the process merely to boost punctuality.