Why are Indian Railways so slow?

The Indian Railways, a key component of India's transportation infrastructure, has long been a topic of discussion due to its various challenges. This article aims to delve into the factors that contribute to the slow speed of Indian trains and shed light on initiatives that have been taken to address these issues.

 Factors Affecting Train Speed

Two primary factors influence the speed of trains in India: the type of train and the type of railway track. In India, trains are categorized into Express, Superfast, Premium, and Passenger trains, each with its own average speed.

 Overview of Railway Tracks in India

India's railway network spans a vast distance of approximately 68,000 kilometers, with broad gauge tracks dominating the landscape. This network is further divided into zones and divisions to ensure efficient management. A brief comparison is made with China's railway system, highlighting the scale and complexity of India's network.

 Reasons for Slow Trains: Populist Policies

Historically, populist policies have had an impact on the long-term vision and growth of Indian Railways. Railway budgets often prioritize short-term gains over long-term development, leading to skewed priorities. Examples from past railway budgets are cited to highlight this issue.

 Reasons for Slow Trains: Bad Infrastructure

The misallocation of funds towards infrastructure has had a detrimental effect on train speed. Inadequate infrastructure poses significant challenges and causes delays in the railway system. The article emphasizes the need for track renewal and upgradation to overcome these obstacles.

 Reasons for Slow Trains: Inter Zonal Rivalries

Internal competition and inter-zonal rivalries among railway stations have also contributed to intentional delays. An example of Palwal railway station is provided to illustrate this phenomenon. Reports demonstrate how such rivalries have impacted the punctuality of trains.

 Reasons for Slow Trains: Time Table Methodology

Inconsistent allocation of slack time in train timetables and the influence of Temporary Speed Restrictions (TSR) and Permanent Speed Restrictions (PSR) also affect the speed of trains. Furthermore, the utilitarian approach in the development of older trains has had a negative impact on their speed and efficiency.

 Efforts and Investments in Railway Infrastructure

Significant investments have been made in improving railway infrastructure in recent years. Initiatives such as Mission Raftaar have been introduced to enhance train speed and efficiency. The National Rail Plan, 2030 is a comprehensive blueprint for further improvements in India's railway system.

 National Rail Plan, 2030: Vision and Implementation

The National Rail Plan, 2030 aims to increase freight speeds, establish dedicated freight corridors, and introduce high-speed rail in the country. The plan also emphasizes the adoption of advanced technologies and the reduction of speed restrictions to optimize train speeds. There is hope for the successful implementation of the plan to overcome existing challenges.

 Conclusion and Hope for the Future

Indian Railways plays a crucial role in India's economic growth by facilitating the movement of goods and people. It is imperative that the National Rail Plan, 2030 is implemented effectively to enhance the efficiency and speed of trains, paving the way for a brighter future for India's railway network.