SCR increases speed to 130 Kmph for 1,280 km length in Golden Quadrilateral & Golden Diagonal sections

South Central Railway (SCR) has started the New Year by achieving a landmark achievement by drastically enhancing the maximum speed to 130 kmph for 1,280 km length out of 1,612 Km in Golden Quadrilateral – Golden Diagonal (GQ-GD) route. This covers the entire GQ-GD route over SCR, except Vijayawada – Duvvada section, where signaling up-gradation work is in progress.

  • The enhanced speed limits could be achieved due to the systematic and planned strengthening of track & its infrastructure by removing bottlenecks in these sections o­n a fast pace. 
  • This included heavier rails, laying of 260 meters Long welded rail panels, improvement of curves and gradients among others. 
  • The Zone has utilized the opportunity of the Lockdown period and low train movement last year (due to the Covid-19 pandemic) to complete all necessary infrastructure up-gradation works.

  • Based o­n these improvements done by the Zone, the RDSO/Lucknow conducted oscillation trials through Confirmatory Oscillograph Car Run (COCR) consisting of instrumented coaches of all classes at 130 Kmph speed during July and October last year. 
  • During this check, in addition to track parameters, other areas like Signaling aspect, Traction distribution equipment, Locomotive & coach fitness were also checked and recorded.
  • Accordingly, the zone has received sanction to enhance the maximum speed limits to 130 kmph along the following routes:
    • Golden Diagonal (Grand Trunk) Route: 744 Route Km
      • Ballarshah to Kazipet – 234 Rkm
      • Kazipet-Vijayawada-Gudur– 510 Rkm
    • Golden Quadrilateral Route (Chennai – Mumbai section): 536 Route Km
      • Renigunta to Gooty – 281 Rkm
      • Gooty to Wadi – 255 Rkm
  • Already, the maximum speed limits in the High-Density Network (HDN) between Secunderabad – Kazipet (132 Kms distance) had been enhanced to 130 kmph. 
  • As such, including both the Up and Down lines in these sections, a total of 2,824 kms (1412 Rkms) has now been made fit to run at a speed of 130 kmph. 
  • This covers the entire GQ-GD route over SCR, except Vijayawada – Duvvada section, where signaling up-gradation work is in progress.

  • Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, SCR has specially congratulated all the Officials and staff who have put their strenuous efforts in completing all the required aspects in these sections. 
  • He also said that though a pandemic situation is prevailing across the globe, the staff and officers of the Zone have relentlessly worked as a team to complete the targeted work. 
  • He opined that the enhancement of speed in these important sections of Golden Quadrilateral/Golden Diagonal and high density routes will help in smooth operation of train services.
  • He also stated that the running time of the passenger services will be considerably reduced and pave the way for running more number of trains.

Source: South Central Railway-Press Release