Proposal for higher speed trains on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes approved

The government has approved the proposal to increase the train speed on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes to 160 kmph, reducing travel time by three and a half hours and five hours respectively. While, the Delhi-Mumbai route is expected to cost Rs 68 billion, the cost for the Delhi-Howrah route will be around Rs 66 billon. The increased speed on these routes will create capacity and ensure improved service and safety. Together, the two routes account for 29 per cent of passenger traffic and 20 per cent of freight traffic. The project will be completed by 2023-24 and will be executed by the Construction Organisation of Central Railway.