Zynda wrote:I saw videos on Youtube where SWR has started testing speeds in excess of 130 kph on SBC-JTJ segment. Also saw video today where someone had mentioned VB (not sure which one) doing 130 kph from Basin Bridge-Arakkonam. VB did 110 kph flat through Katpadi & 70 kph @ JTJ (still not allowing MPS I guess). Hopefully in another few months, bulk of the section from SBC-MAS will be certified for 130 kph and trains like VB & Shatabdi can take advantage of the same. Hopefully, IR can start working on achieving 160 kph capability by 2030 (doubtful though)
All LHB-rake trains hauled by WAP-7 locos can do 130 between Chennai (specifically Vyasarpadi) and Arakkonam. Mumbai bound trains can continue at 130 up to Renigunta.
I was in the Shatabdi* (the forgotten child
) yesterday and these were the speeds it did:
Vyasarpadi-Tiruvalangadu: 130kph on the fast down track
Tiruvalangadu-Arakkonam: 110kph on the slow down track
Through Arakkonam - around 50-60kph
Katpadi: 30kph due to the stop
Arakkonam-Jolarpet: 110kph (this is upgraded to 130, but only the CBE VB is permitted 130 as of now)
Jolarpet station: 30kph to switch tracks toward Bangalore
Jolarpet horseshoe curve: 60kph permanent speed restriction
Somanayakanpatti-Krishnarajapuram: 110kph, with ghat section restriction at 70/100
Overall, 110 is still the max after AJJ, but the AJJ-JTJ tracks are ready for 130, and CRS sanction for the upgrade has been given. But only the CBE VB currently runs at 130 here. One can feel the smoother ride quality as compared to the SWR line beyond JTJ, which is still in the process of being upgraded. SR has set a June target for starting full 130 operations in AJJ-JTJ stretch, and they'll work on upgrading the track to CBE to 130 after that. We can also expect a timetable update after the full MAS-SBC route is upgraded to 130. My Shatabdi yesterday crossed KR Puram at 10:10 itself, then coasted to reach SBC by 10:40 (scheduled arrival time 10:45). A good portion of time can be shaved off with full 130 ops. With Vande Bharat and its superior acceleration, it can reduce even more.
* I booked the Shatabdi since the VB was fully waitlisted. Turned out the Shatabdi was also 100% full in all 15 coaches.