With a view to increasing speed of trains in Indian Railways, ‘Mission Raftaar’ has been announced in the Railway Budget 2016-17.
The mission envisages a target of doubling of average speed of freight trains and increasing the average speed of all non-suburban passenger trains by 25 kmph in next 5 years. In order to implement it, a cross-functional directorate has been created in Railway Board.
Technical development of railway stations in this regard includes advanced signalling technology-based systems such as electronic interlocking, train protection and warning systems, etc. to ensure safe and efficient running of trains at higher speeds.
Action Plan for improving mobility and increasing average speed includes removal of speed restrictions, construction of road over bridges (ROBs) and road under bridges (RUBs), right powering of trains, introduction of twin-pipe in wagons and replacement of conventional trains by Main Line Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains and Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains.