IR, which operates the passenger trains on the Rajdhaniwap, is experimenting with a new concept of train operations. Instead of the current concept, wherein a train has to make priority over other trains, IR is trying out a new concept, wherein the train is assigned a higher priority. This is based on the fact that a Rajdhaniwap train is heavier than a road vehicle.
CR Rajdhani trains have more mass than road vehicles
CR Rajdhani is the latest superfast broad-gauge train service in India. The train connects New Delhi with Nizamuddin. The train has 22 coaches with over 1,200 berths. The trains are fully air-conditioned. The train covers a distance of 1,543 km in 17 hours.
A 21 car train set costs about Rs 175 crore. The train is equipped with 17 passenger coaches and a pantry car. It saves about 3 hours of running time. The train also saves around Rs 5 crore a year in O&M costs.
The train is powered by two high-speed locomotives. The locomotives are of the WAP-5 class, which have a total of 11,000 HP. The twin locomotives give a boost in acceleration, which reduces the time required to clear congested routes.
The train is equipped with high-speed LHB coaches manufactured by Rail Coach Factory. The average car weighs around one ton. The train consumes 34 thousand units of electricity.
The train is equipped with Push-Pull technology. This reduces the jerk when the brakes are applied. The train is also able to better balance speeds on gradients. The train is the first in India to use this technology.
The train is a major boon to those in the Central suburbs. Previously, people had to travel by bus to their destinations. In the case of the Rajdhani, people had the option to board the train at Kalyan.
IR is experimenting with a new concept in passenger train operations
Historically, the freight segment has been a dud. With the advent of faster trains and better infrastructure, the freight train is back in vogue. However, this is not the case with the passenger segment. Despite being a pillar of the nation’s economy, the passenger train is not a high-volume industry. As a result, IR is experimenting with a new concept in passenger train operations.
Besides, the freight train has to compete with other modes of transportation. For example, the railways of the world ferry fuel across India. In addition, the Indian Railways has also embarked on a mission to build a tri-modal logistics hub at an upcoming megapolis in the north. In addition, IR has also tasked itself with upgrading its goods sheds and launching time-tabled freight trains. While this hasn’t been a cakewalk, it is the IR’s job to do it.
A dedicated freight corridor has been devised to tame India’s freight traffic. As per the IR, the project is slated to be completed by 2020. This will free up capacity on dense passenger routes. Moreover, the aforementioned triumvirate of a network of dedicated freight corridors will likely be a boon for Indian rail passengers. One of the biggest advantages of the scheme is that it will be easier for the IR to make a dent in India’s freight traffic woes.
CR Rajdhani trains have more priority over other trains
CR Rajdhani trains have more priority than other trains in the Indian Railway network. They carry passengers between New Delhi and major cities of India. The locomotives of these trains have high power-to-weight ratio and are fitted with high-speed coaches.
The train is fully air conditioned. Its maximum speed is 160 km/h between Delhi and Agra. However, the train takes around 19 hours and 5 minutes to reach its destination.
The train has been running on the Push-Pull mode since February 2018. This method enables the train to navigate the ghat sections without stopping. The engine is attached at the front and back of the train, reducing the number of stops. It also eliminates the need for bankers in the ghat section.
The Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani train was launched with WDM-2 diesel locomotives. It is considered to be one of the fastest trains in India. However, it has experienced many operation changes.
In 1993, AC-DC locomotives were introduced in the Mumbai-New Delhi route. This improved the speed of the train by three hours. In addition, the electrification of the entire route was completed.
Conclusion
The new Rajdhani (22221/22) is the fastest train to Delhi for passengers from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. It is expected that eight new coaches will be delivered to Mumbai by mid-February.
