(a) whether the Railways are contemplating to introduce new technology on intercity trains
to reduce travel time;
(b) if, so the details thereof;
(c) whether the Railways have worked out the detailed project report in this regard and if so,
the details thereof;
(d) whether any time frame to introduce new technology on Intercity Trains has been set;and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY)
(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. Introduction of new technology on intercity trains is an ongoing process.
For reducing travel time on intercity trains, new technologies on coaches and locomotives are
being introduced to have higher speed potential.
(c) For semi high speed trains between Mumbai-Delhi and Mumbai-Ahmedabad, Japan International
Co-operation Agency (JICA) had funded a study in 2012-13. The draft report for the same has
been submitted in March, 2013.
(d) & (e) Introduction of new technology on intercity trains is an ongoing process. LHB
(Link Hofmann Busch) coaches with higher speed potential of 160 kmph have been introduced
on Intercity Shatabdi trains. Further, existing identified intercity Shatabdi ICF design
coach trains are also being replaced with higher speed potential LHB stock in phased manner,
raising its speed potential to reduce travel time. Besides, high horse power WDP4 Diesel
Locomotive having higher speed potential of 160 kmph are also being deployed on trains.