Bengaluru-Chennai Route Accelerates to New Speed Limits with 130 km/h Upgrade for Vande Bharat and Shatabdi Express

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Bengaluru-Chennai route hits new speed limits as Vande Bharat and Shatabdi Express trains are upgraded to 130 km/h, boosting travel efficiency and comfort.

The Bengaluru-Chennai route is set to undergo a significant upgrade that will enhance train operations. With the introduction of a 130 kmph speed limit, the Vande Bharat and Shatabdi Express trains running daily between the two cities will experience reduced travel times. This upgrade is a major step in improving the efficiency of the high-density 360-km corridor, which connects the tech hub of Bengaluru with the automobile manufacturing center of Chennai.

The travel time on the Vande Bharat Express will be shortened by 25 minutes, now bringing the journey to just four hours. Meanwhile, the Shatabdi Express, which currently takes approximately five hours, will also see a reduction of at least 20 minutes in its travel time. This faster travel time is expected to enhance convenience for daily commuters and business travellers alike.

On December 5, the Bengaluru division of the South Western Railway (SWR) conducted a speed trial on the Bengaluru-Jolarpettai section, aiming to increase the speed limit from 110 km/h to 130 km/h. The upgraded speed limit will be implemented once the railway safety commissioner gives the green light. The changes aim to streamline operations and increase the efficiency of the corridor.

This corridor, known for its high density due to the presence of major tech parks, manufacturing units, and residential townships, is a crucial link between two major Indian cities. However, increasing the speed beyond 130 km/h will require substantial infrastructure work, including strengthening bridges, eliminating level crossings, and modifying curves and gradients. Additionally, the number of stops on the route will influence the overall travel time.