Railways to test new 160-kmph train on Delhi-Agra route on 3 July

Indian Railways will hold a trial run of a 160-kmph speed train on the Delhi-Agra route, the fastest to run on Indian rails so far, on 3 July, as part of the government's plan to launch a semi-high speed service between key cities.

The test train, comprising  coaches used in the Bhopal Shatabdi express, is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Agra from 126 to 90 minutes.

Currently, the fastest train in India, the Bhopal Shatabdi, runs at speeds of up to a maximum of 150 kmph on that route.

Indian Railways proposes to launch the service in October-November and the project is expected to find a mention in Railway Budget.

The NDA government, which has taken the unpopular decision of hiking train fares, expects to reduce the sting of criticism by the announcement.

The railway is currently finalising all preparations for the trial run at 160kmph speed between Delhi and Agra (to and fro) on 3 July and regular services are expected to start by November.

The special train, powered by a 5400 HP electric locomotive, will have 10 coaches. Indian Railways is operationalising the semi-high speed train using its own resources.

There are about 16 speed restriction areas and curves on the Delhi-Agra route that have to be smoothened for high speeds.

The train will begin its test journey at 10 am on 3 July from New Delhi station with the commissioner railway safety PK Vajpayee, divisional railway managers (DRMs) of Delhi and Agra divisions and other senior officials involved with the semi-high speed project on board.

RPF personnel will be deployed along the route to ensure smooth running of the trial. Besides, a 27-km stretch along the track between Delhi and Agra will be fenced to prevent obstruction and ensure speed.

The new train would come as a boon for tourists visiting Taj Mahal as the travel time between Delhi and Agra is expected to come down 90 minutes from the current 120 minutes.

A railway ministry official involved in the project estimates the cost of the project to make the track ready for the semi-high speed trains at Rs15 crore.

Railways proposes to run similar trains from Delhi to Kanpur and Chandigarh as well.