Delhi to Agra in 55 minutes
Great start Modi ji. Bullet Trains started. Also saw Vaihsno Devi news.
200 km in 90 mins: Delhi-Agra high speed train sets new speed record
NEW DELHI: A passenger train set a new national speed record of 160 kilometres an hour (100 miles an hour) on Thursday during a test between New Delhi and Agra.
The introduction of high-speed links and bullet trains were one of the key poll campaign promises of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who won elections in May.
Today's test, part of the government's plans to upgrade the ageing rail network, saw the train complete the 200 kilometres between New Delhi and Agra in around 90 minutes. The top speed clocked at 10 kilometres more than the previous record.
"This is now the fastest train in India," Delhi divisional railway manager Anurag Sachan told reporters from inside the train. "We are recording all technical parameters during the trial run and hope to introduce it to the public by this November."
200 km in 90 mins: Delhi-Agra high speed train sets new speed record
While fast by Indian standards, the train is some way from the Japanese "Shinkansen" admired by Modi which reach speeds of 320 kilometres an hour.
Government is set to roll out extensive plans to overhaul country's massive but loss-making network on Tuesday when the Modi government will present its first railway budget.
Observers say the railways have been neglected by successive governments over the past three decades of rapid economic growth during which car ownership has surged and low-cost airlines have mushroomed.
But it continues to be one of the main modes of long-distance travel for most, while increased use of the tracks for freight could help ease road traffic congestion.
Similar high-speed rail corridors are being planned between New Delhi and Chandigarh, and New Delhi and Kanpur 500 kilometres away.
"The cost of upgrading tracks, signal systems and other related infrastructure isn't high on some of the corridors which already have other high speed trains," Sachan told media.
"We are confident of expanding it once this project is completed," he added. more
200 km in 90 mins: Delhi-Agra high speed train sets new speed record
NEW DELHI: A passenger train set a new national speed record of 160 kilometres an hour (100 miles an hour) on Thursday during a test between New Delhi and Agra.
The introduction of high-speed links and bullet trains were one of the key poll campaign promises of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who won elections in May.
Today's test, part of the government's plans to upgrade the ageing rail network, saw the train complete the 200 kilometres between New Delhi and Agra in around 90 minutes. The top speed clocked at 10 kilometres more than the previous record.
"This is now the fastest train in India," Delhi divisional railway manager Anurag Sachan told reporters from inside the train. "We are recording all technical parameters during the trial run and hope to introduce it to the public by this November."
200 km in 90 mins: Delhi-Agra high speed train sets new speed record
While fast by Indian standards, the train is some way from the Japanese "Shinkansen" admired by Modi which reach speeds of 320 kilometres an hour.
Government is set to roll out extensive plans to overhaul country's massive but loss-making network on Tuesday when the Modi government will present its first railway budget.
Observers say the railways have been neglected by successive governments over the past three decades of rapid economic growth during which car ownership has surged and low-cost airlines have mushroomed.
But it continues to be one of the main modes of long-distance travel for most, while increased use of the tracks for freight could help ease road traffic congestion.
Similar high-speed rail corridors are being planned between New Delhi and Chandigarh, and New Delhi and Kanpur 500 kilometres away.
"The cost of upgrading tracks, signal systems and other related infrastructure isn't high on some of the corridors which already have other high speed trains," Sachan told media.
"We are confident of expanding it once this project is completed," he added. more
Viewed by 1047
View all 7 comments Below 7 comments
High speed trains will require access control along railway lines as else there will be a no of accidents. This will come at high costs. more
Jul 04
This year I voted for change and I think I am beginning to see that change slowly and will see more in the times to come. I watched the inauguration on the TV, and was discussing with my Dad on the same and we thought the following can actually help the Citizens more with connectivity: particularly with the religious travel – Dad started this conversation with one of the talk points made by Swami Vivekananda in a speech he gave in the USA, where he said something to this effect - that US may be a technological capital of the world which is for material welfare but the India is the spiritual capital of the world which is for eternal welfare. And we have forgotten that there is neutral zone in our religiously lead spiritual believe. We don’t force religion or praying but a belief of energy and to be spiritual. And I was so happy to hear that from a non-believer (my dad), such a fusion thought like fusion music that I could completely relate. This speedy connectivity to the metros and tier I & II cities should be made across states as per their needs - 1. Every state that attract tourist both the national and international should be connected 2. Every IT capital metro to its other cities and towns close by for e.g. Bangalore to Mysore, Hubli etc.; every Business capital similarly, Healthcare capital similarly, Sports capital for e.g. Chandigarh and Coorg has max- hockey players and celebrates hockey as a Game, hence encourage with large practicing facility, we want more Medals to India. 3. Each state should identify a list of temples that have highest visits and request connectivity to their immediate closer city or town 4. Each state that have highest religious visits the connectivity fair (Bus, Train or Air travel concession from the govt.) to be reduced, this way we encourage more spiritual and religious connect to the roots – temples are energy connection created by our forefathers to keep our believe and spirituality alive. 5. Like for Haj travel there are concessions and special privileges, other believes and ideologies also should be considered travel to Rome for Catholics, Kasi and Varanasi and Rameshwaram for Hindus. These are just few thoughts as a citizen and believer of peace and prosperity – Thank you PM, Sir! more
Jul 04
Modi's tenure is not like a 20/20 match. It is a test match and the results will come in the 4th or 5th day/year. Let him build the inning. more
Jul 04
Best wishes and congratulations to whole of the team and best wishes to continue.. ACHCHE DIN AANE WALE HAIN... more
Jul 04
