Vande Bharat Express Speed Drops Due to Infrastructure Issues
The average speed of India’s premier semi-high-speed train, Vande Bharat Express, has declined over the past three years due to infrastructure limitations, track conditions, and operational constraints. While designed to run at speeds of up to 160 km/h, the train is currently operating below its potential, prompting concerns about efficiency and modernization within Indian Railways.
Infrastructure Challenges Affecting Speed
Vande Bharat Express, which initially recorded an average speed of 84.48 km/h in the 2020-21 fiscal year, has seen a drop to 76.25 km/h in 2023-24. One of the primary reasons for this decline is the railway track infrastructure, as most sections across the country are not yet capable of supporting speeds beyond 130 km/h. Only select routes, such as parts of the Delhi-Agra corridor, allow the train to reach its designed top speed.
Additionally, track upgrades, electrification projects, and station modernization efforts have led to temporary speed restrictions. These projects, while essential for long-term efficiency, have contributed to slower operational speeds during their execution.
Impact of Terrain and Weather Conditions
Certain Vande Bharat routes pass through challenging terrains that naturally limit speed. For example, the Mumbai CSMT-Madgaon section passes through the hilly Konkan region, where steep inclines and curves restrict train speeds for safety reasons.
During the monsoon season, additional speed restrictions are imposed on trains operating in these regions. Heavy rainfall increases the risk of track obstructions and landslides, leading to precautionary speed reductions to ensure passenger safety.
Rail Traffic Congestion and Signaling Issues
Another significant factor affecting Vande Bharat’s speed is congestion on railway tracks. With a high volume of passenger and freight trains using the same routes, delays and slower movement become inevitable. Additionally, the lack of advanced signaling systems forces trains to maintain greater distances between each other, impacting overall network efficiency. The gradual implementation of automatic block signaling is expected to improve train speeds in the coming years.
Future Upgrades and Speed Optimization
To address these challenges, Indian Railways has allocated substantial funds for infrastructure modernization. Investments are being made to improve track conditions, upgrade signaling technology, and expand capacity on key routes. These enhancements aim to enable Vande Bharat Express and other high-speed trains to operate closer to their designed speeds, ensuring faster and more efficient rail travel in the future.
While the current speed reductions highlight operational constraints, ongoing railway modernization efforts are expected to gradually resolve these issues, allowing Vande Bharat Express to achieve its full potential.
