New Delhi – Mumbai Central Rajdhani Express , A. K. Rajdhani Express , Ahmedabad – Mumbai Central Shatabdi Express -SPEEDING UP OF TRAINS UPTO 130 KMPH
SPEEDING UP OF TRAINS UPTO 130 KMPH:
12951 / 12952 New Delhi – Mumbai Central Rajdhani Express, 12953 /12954 A. K. Rajdhani Express, 12009 / 12010 Ahmedabad – Mumbai Central Shatabdi Express will run at 130 kmph on Virar – Godhra & Virar – Ahmedabad sections from 120 kmph, due to improvement in infrastructure. This will help in saving of time by about 20-25 minutes.
You’re asking about speeding up a few premium trains—New Delhi–Mumbai Central Rajdhani Express, A.K. Rajdhani Express, and Ahmedabad–Mumbai Central Shatabdi Express—to 130 km/h. Here’s a clear look at their speed upgrade status:
Contents
Historical Upgrade (2015)
All three trains were cleared to run at 130 km/h in specific sections—Virar–Godhra (for Rajdhani and A.K. Rajdhani) and Virar–Ahmedabad (for the Shatabdi)—upgraded from previous limits. This improvement shaved off about 20–25 minutes from travel times
Latest Developments & Broader Plans
1. Tejas Rajdhani (Mumbai–New Delhi)
The upgraded Tejas Rajdhani Express currently operates with a maximum permissible speed of 140 km/h and achieves an average speed of approximately 90 km/h, thanks to modern LHB Tejas coaches
2. Mission Raftaar & 160 km/h Ambitions
Indian Railways had ambitious plans under Mission Raftaar to escalate speeds from 130 km/h to 160 km/h across major corridors such as Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah. The proposed enhancements included fencing vulnerable sections, track strengthening, and signaling upgrades. These could cut travel times substantially (e.g., to about 12 hours between Delhi and Mumbai) but involve large investments (₹6,800–13,500 crore) and phased rollouts
3. Reddit Insights
Recent railway discussion threads point out that certain sections like Mumbai–Ahmedabad were slated for 160 km/h readiness by mid-2024, incorporating upgrades such as fencing and overhead wire improvements(Reddit). However, delays—due to pending safety systems like Kavach or incomplete project execution—have slowed down progress.
4. Regional Speed Enhancements
A notable recent success is the Patna–Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) stretch, approved for operation at 130 km/h following successful trials with the Tejas Rajdhani Express
Summary Table
| Train / Section | Status of 130 km/h Upgrade |
|---|---|
| New Delhi–Mumbai Rajdhani | Upgraded on select sections (2015) |
| A.K. Rajdhani | Upgraded (2015) |
| Ahmedabad–Mumbai Shatabdi | Upgraded (2015) |
| Tejas Rajdhani (Mumbai–New Delhi) | Max 140 km/h |
| Delhi–Mumbai Corridor (160 km/h plan) | Proposed, facing delays |
| Patna–DDU (Tejas Rajdhani) | Approved for 130 km/h (2025) |
Bottom Line
- Yes, the three trains you mentioned have been approved for 130 km/h on certain stretches since 2015.
- The Tejas Rajdhani pushes it further with 140 km/h capability.
- Indian Railways continues to pursue 160 km/h upgrades, but widespread implementation remains pending.
- Meanwhile, sections like Patna–DDU are seeing recent 130 km/h approvals, indicating gradual progress.
Let me know if you’d like a detailed update on a specific train or section—or the latest on Kavach deployment for safety upgrades!