Mumbai, Jun 24 (PTI) Western Railway is undertaking infrastructure upgrades to increase the maximum permissible speed on several routes to 130 kmph from the existing 100-110 kmph, while the busy Mumbai-Delhi trunk route is being upgraded for operations at 160 kmph, a senior official said.
During an informal interaction with media persons at Western Railway headquarters in Churchgate on Tuesday, General Manager Ramashray Pandey said the speed enhancement works are aimed at reducing travel time, improving operational efficiency, and providing faster connectivity for passengers.
“We are upgrading routes where trains currently run at speeds of 100 kmph and 110 kmph to enable operations at 130 kmph. Simultaneously, the project to upgrade the Mumbai-Delhi trunk route from 130 kmph to 160 kmph is underway,” he said.
With the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) having become operational, more passenger trains could be introduced in the future if freight traffic is shifted to the DFC route, according to Pandey.
He said Western Railway has sought three to four Vande Bharat sleeper trains for operation on various routes.
Replying to a question about Western Railway’s plans for Garib Nagar in Bandra, which was recently in the news due to the demolition of illegal huts, Pandey said passenger amenities would be developed at the location, besides relocating certain facilities such as a diesel shed.
“After shifting these structures, ten new stabling lines will be constructed at Bandra Terminus. This will enable the introduction of at least ten new trains from the terminus,” Pandey said.
He added that all five platforms at Mumbai Central terminus would be extended in phases over the next couple of years to accommodate 24-coach trains. At present, only 22-coach trains can be operated from the busy railway terminus.
Pandey further said the number of passengers travelling on Western Railway had declined by 2 per cent over the last two months, compared with a 0.2 per cent decline during the previous financial year.
He suggested that some passengers may have shifted to Metro services. PTI KK NSK
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