IR Speed Plan – Paralysed
More than 100 years ago; 100 mph = 160 kmph became the norm worldwide with poorer track structure then what Indian Railways has at present.
Indian Railway made plans to upgrade thus in 1969 with a beginning made by the introduction of a Rajdhani Express between Howrah and Delhi that year @120 kmph but despite huge investments in track our speeds are as achieved by Steam engines for last 50 years.
Current track standards of RDSO are for 160 kmph.
This could have started to become a reality in 2019 with introduction of 100% LHB, Tejas and Vande Bharat, and revolutionary work done by Rolling Stock directorate that year but which has since been paralysed.
Prima facie it is possible to easily upgrade all trains to 160 kmph with intermittent temporary speed restrictions.
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