Despite having one of the largest railway networks in the world, the speed of Indian trains lags behind in comparison to developed nations. Explain the reasons behind this and mention the steps being taken by the government in this regard.

Indian railways have the 2nd largest railway network in the world. However, it lacks in terms of speed & efficiency. As per CAG, operating ratio of Indian rail is 98.36%, while average speed of express trains is around 50 kmph. But many developed countries, passenger trains run at speed of 200 kmph. Reasons for poor speed of trains: i Inadequate Infrastructure - Rail tracks are old, which can limit maximum speed of 110-130 kmph.

ii Congestion of Rail tracks - Freight trains share same track causing heavy congestion. iii Long halts - Longer & frequent stopages cause congestion. iv Design of train - Open doors and windows creates hindrance in speeding up. v Ratio of passenger trains - Number of passenger trains has increased manifold without increase in infrastructure. vi Delay in project infrastructure completion leading to time & cost overruns. Steps taken by Government: i Dedicated freight corridors (100 Kmph) - enabling high speed for special cargo trains. ii Vande Bharat trains - Introduction of semi-high speed trains 2049-25 capable of reaching 160-200 kmph.

iii Bullet trains - Along Mumbai Ahmedabad to boost economy. iv Foreign collaboration - with side minded partner like France, Israel, Japan etc. v Upgraded coaches - driven by enhanced manufacturing of Linke Hofmann Busch coaches. Whole railway ecosystem need a relock in rolling stock, dividing gap between freight & passenger train speed to ensure aim of high speed trains.