Udaipur, March 25, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran) — Responding to a question raised in Parliament by MP Manna Lal Rawat, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that Vande Bharat Express is operating at speeds above 110 km/h on 81 percent of its routes.
The minister informed that multiple efforts have been undertaken by the Ministry of Railways to enhance train speeds, including modernisation and upgradation of railway tracks with several mechanical improvements.
Dr Rawat had sought details regarding the average operational speed of semi high-speed trains like Vande Bharat across various routes in the country. He also asked whether factors such as loop points, level crossings, curves, and speed restrictions affect the actual speed compared to the designed or planned speed, and whether trains run below their intended speed even on newly developed or upgraded sections.
In response, Ashwini Vaishnaw said that Vande Bharat trains have a design speed of 180 km/h and a maximum operational speed of 160 km/h. He added that the average speed depends on factors such as track geometry, stoppages, and maintenance activities along the route. The services are currently operated as per the maximum permissible speed of the respective sections.
The minister further said that increasing train speed is a continuous process in Indian Railways. Ongoing measures include strengthening and modernising tracks through the use of advanced rail structures such as 60 kg rails, 90 UTS tracks, pre-stressed concrete sleepers, and improved turnout systems.
He added that modern welding techniques like flash butt welding are being adopted, along with longer rail panels to minimise joints and enhance safety and ride quality. Interlocking systems are also being implemented at level crossings to improve safety.
According to the minister, these efforts have significantly improved the speed capacity of railway tracks across the network.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
