Rail Budget 2015: Delhi-Kolkata, Delhi-Mumbai trains to complete journey overnight

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today announced in his Budget that speed of trains in select corridors would be increased for fast connectivity particularly in the Delhi-Kolkata and Delhi-Mumbai sector. [caption id=“attachment_2123089” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. Image courtesy PIB[/caption] “As per the Budget proposal, the speed of nine railway corridors will be increased from existing 110 and 130 kmph to 160 and 200 kmph respectively so that inter-metro journeys like Delhi-Kolkata and Delhi-Mumbai can be completed overnight,” a release from the Ministry of Railways said. The speed of goods trains has also been raised to cut upon the journey time. “Average speed of freight trains in empty and loaded conditions, will be enhanced to 100 kmph for empty freight trains and 75 kmph for loaded trains,” the release said. The Rail Budget also proposed Coastal Connectivity Programme in partnership with ports for Nargol, Chharra, Dighi, Rewas and Tuna. “Besides this, projects worth Rs 2,500 crore will be taken up through BOT/ Annuity route. These include Wardha- Nagpur 3rd line, Kazipet-Vijaywada 3rd line, Bhadrak –Nargundi 3rd line and Bhuj- Nalia Gauge Conversion,” the release said.