India Plans Major Upgrade to Railway Network for 220 kmph Trains
Plan to upgrade rail network to 220 kmph, says railways minister Vaishnaw
Business StandardImage: Business Standard
India's railway network will undergo a significant upgrade to support trains running at speeds of up to 220 kilometres per hour. The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹20,667 crore project for a semi-high-speed rail line between Ahmedabad and Dholera in Gujarat, aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activity in the region.
- 01The railway network upgrade will enable speeds of up to 220 kmph.
- 02A ₹20,667 crore project has been approved for the Ahmedabad-Dholera line.
- 03The project aims to connect 284 villages and serve 500,000 people.
- 04It will reduce oil imports by 0.48 crore litres and lower carbon emissions significantly.
- 05The corridor will feature 13 stations and integrate with existing transport systems.
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India is set to enhance its extensive railway network, which spans nearly 70,000 kilometres, by upgrading tracks to accommodate trains running at speeds of up to 220 kilometres per hour. This initiative was solidified with the Union Cabinet's approval of a ₹20,667 crore (approximately $2.5 billion USD) semi-high-speed rail line connecting Ahmedabad and Dholera in Gujarat. The project aims to bolster economic activities in Dholera, which is envisioned as a major electronics manufacturing hub. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the upgraded line will serve as a model for future expansions, with the goal of connecting all major cities to the bullet train network. The project will add approximately 134 kilometres to the existing railway network and improve connectivity for around 500,000 people across 284 villages. Additionally, it is expected to reduce oil imports by 0.48 crore litres and decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 2 crore kg, equivalent to planting 1 million trees. The corridor will feature 13 stations, operate at speeds of 200 kmph, and integrate with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail and other transport systems.
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The upgrade will enhance connectivity for residents in the region, facilitating easier access to transportation and potentially boosting local economies.
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