Railway organizes brain storming session

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has set a target of achieving a speed of 160 kilometers per hour in 30,000 route kilometers which means the National transporter should give emphasis to massive up-gradation of railway tracks and end obsolete signaling systems prevalent in most parts of the railways

The Minister’s assertion comes in the wake of reports that average speed of the 17 sets of Vande Bharat trains is hardly 64 kilometers per hour though the trains could run at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour.  Tracks and signaling system in North and Western India have been upgraded by the Railway board on a priority basis while other zones are lagging behind badly. Signaling systems in most of the Railway zones especially in South are 18^th century vintage which cripples the speed of fast trains.

The Railways organized a two day long Chintan Shivir  June 1^stand 2^nd in the national capital for the first time. Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presided over the session.  Speaking on the occasion Mr Vaishnaw emphasized on Rail Safety, and adoption of newer technologies. Also he urged officers to ponder over increasing train speed to 160 kilometers per hour for 30,000 Route kilometers. He also stressed upon Railways' role Indian Economic growth.

The objective of the Chintan Shivir was to brainstorm on finding new ways and methods and adopt innovative ideas to achieve commissioning of more track/year (New line, GC & Multi-tracking), higher loading per Day, achieving 160 kilometers per hour on 50 per cent routes, and attaining Zero Consequential Accidents.

Four to Five teams headed by General Managers of different zonal Railways gave their presentations and new ideas on each topic.  Each team comprised of members from PUs, PSUs, RDSO & CTIs also. Nominated Board Member/DG finalized topic-wise final presentation-road map for implementation.