Article:
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/312433/rlys-increase-track-speed-introducing.html
1. The first sentence (in bold) states “In a bid to increase track speeds from the present 65-90 km to 130-150 km, ….”. All of us who have passed 8th standard know that speed is "distance measured with reference to time". How can we ever measure speed by just indicating the distance i.e. 65 km or 130 km? Well, there is nothing railways about this point. (I have assumed the figures to be in Km/Hr for all my observations. Also i am assuming that track speed means the average speed traveled by a train.)
2. “The MoU signed with France will help us a lot. They have better technology.” Here is the press release for the same.
There is a mention of High and Semi High Speed Rail There is no mention of increase of track speed. There is no talk about EMUs for long distance in the press release.
3. The following paragraph is highly confusing.
“At the moment, average speed of trains in India ranges between 65-90 km. However, with the exception of Rajdhani, Duranto and Shatabdi trains which run at the speed above 80 km, other fast trains run at lower speeds. EMU trains could lower the travel time to a great extent. EMU trains do not require shunting which saves time, said an official.”
There is a lot of difference between Average Speed and Maximum speed. While it is true that the average speed of Superfast Trains ranges 55kmph and above (which includes Rajdhani, Sampark Kranti, Shatabdhi, Duronto, Intercity Expreses, etc,), the statement that “with the exception of Rajdhani, Duranto and Shatabdi trains which run at the speed above 80 km, other fast trains run at lower speeds.” is completely false. Every Superfast train will run at a speed in excess of 80kmph, the maximum speed being 110 to 130 kmph, based on the sectional limit.
4. The report talks about “opting the EMU services for long distance routes”.
Sir, The EMU trains lack toilets. Further to that there is not much of a luggage holding capacity in the EMUs. The seating comfort is not up to the mark when compared to Seating Class(2S) Intercity Expresses. Hence it is not advisable to run long distance EMUs. Currently there are EMUs running to a maximum distance of 150 km (as is the case of Chennai Tirupati EMU), but the normal distance covered by an EMU is generally not more than 60 - 80 kms. The main advantage of EMU is the quick acceleration and deceleration, because of which it halts at a number of stations, without really losing time. Also the max speed limit of an EMU is around 80kmph- 100kmph, which makes it slower than the locomotive hauled long-distance trains (which have a speed limit of 110kmph). If the Railways is “actively introducing” EMUs on Long distance routes, why isn’t there a mention of any such EMU?
5. One more para mentions that “The rakes for these will have 12 cars, and the rated maximum speed is 100 km/hour”.
Sir, Indian Railways has newer AC EMUs fitted with Alstom, BHEL or Siemens Traction motors which run at 100 kmph. The older ones still run @ 80kmph. According to the report, if the max speed is 100 kmph, how are you going to increase the track (average) speed to 130 - 150 kmph by procuring trainsets which are not capable of reaching the maximum speed of 130 kmph?
6. Last but not the least, the title of the report is quite misleading. Sir can I know how will you increase a track speed just by introducing EMUs capable speed of 100kmph? It is just as hilarious as that I’ll buy a Ferrari and speed on all the roads in India will increase. The Ferrari will have to travel at 10kmph in case of congestions, junctions etc. The same holds good with trains. The increase of track speed is a function of rail conditions, the curves the track makes, the gradients, the safety precautions , the bridges, etc.
