Change in train timings; Vande Bharat and Gatimaan to cut down speed, to affect passenger trains

NEW DELHI: The Indian Railways is planning to cut down the speed of Vande Bharat trains. A decision has been taken to reduce the speed of Gatimaan Express along with Vande Bharat. The action is part of ensuring safety. The speed of trains will be cut down from 160 kmph to 130 kmph. Apart from this, it is reported that the north central railway has already decided to reduce the speed of several other trains. The speed of Shatabdi Express will also be reduced from 150 kmph to 130 kmph.

The speed of Gatimaan Express (Train No 12050/12049 Delhi-Jhansi-Delhi), Vande Bharat Express (Train No 22470/22469 Delhi-Khajuraho-Delhi) and two Vande Bharat Express services to Rani Kamalapati (Train No 20172/20171 and Train No 12002/12001 Delhi-Rani Kamalapati-Delhi) trains will be reduced. With the speed cutting down, the travel time of these trains will increase by 25-30 minutes. It has been decided to implement the speed reduction as early as possible.

There was a demand earlier to reduce the speed of trains citing safety issues but it was delayed due to various reasons. It is believed that the recent spate of multiple train accidents despite increased safety arrangements is prompting the authorities to implement the speed reduction decision quickly. These accidents were attributed to signal failure or loco pilot’s error.

Speed and premium amenities were highlighted as key features of Vande Bharat. What attracted more to Vande Bharat was that they could reach their destination quickly without experiencing heavy rush. Therefore, the railway authorities are afraid that the passengers will protest when the speed is reduced. As the speed of Vande Bharat is being reduced, the timings of passenger trains will also have to be rescheduled. This may also lead to severe protests by passengers.