15 high-speed train sets to chug Rajdhani, Shatabdi routes

In one of the biggest moves in the passenger train segment, the railway ministry has allotted Rs 2,952 crore for the purchase of 15 train sets, for use on Rajdhani and Shatabdi routes. Train sets are technologically advanced versions of local trains that run in Mumbai's suburban network and can touch a speed of 200 kilometres per hour. One of the advantages of a train set is that, unlike conventional trains, it has a driver's cab on both ends, and can be reversed without loss of time.

According to officials, the entire train set programme, which consists of buying 17 such trains with a total capacity of 316 coaches, will be financed partly by the Railways from its internal resources and partly with funds raised from the market by the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC). While the Railways will put in Rs 2,500 crore, the IRFC will contribute Rs 2,490 crore, said officials.

At current prices, a train set would cost anything between Rs 150-200 crore. This include seven-year manufacturer maintenance and technology transfer to the Railways, officials said. The Railways will take a call on having a few train sets with sleeper arrangements (like conventional trains) and some others with seating arrangement (like conventional chair car configuration).

“Currently trains like the Rajdhani and Shatabdi have shortcomings because at least 20% of its length goes in accommodating the locomotive that pulls the train and another generator car in the rear that powers the amenities inside the coaches including air-conditioning. The train set has greater capacity because it does not require a locomotive or a generator car. The train sets traction motors placed inside certain coaches source electricity from the overhead wires and power the train at speeds that can touch 200 kmph,” explained an official.

The train set programme was first announced in 2012-13 railway budget by the erstwhile UPA government. The pace of the project, however, picked up only in the past one year with the railway ministry coming up with both Request for Qualifications as well as Request for Proposals. Officials said bids would be finalised by the start of the new financial year and work of procurement would begin soon after.

One of the biggest arguments in favour of the train set is that its higher speed as well as shorter reversal time at terminal stations can bring about an increase in at least one trip per day on a particular route. In routes like Mumbai-Ahmadabad, Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Amritsar and a few southern routes, an extra trip means several crores of rupees to the railway coffers every year, pointed out officials.