Why Vande Bharat trains have seen a dip in average speed: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explains
As Vande Bharat trains are emerging as a popular travel choice, it's important to understand the speed at which this semi-high-speed train operates. The question gains relevance as Dr Fauzia Khan, a Rajya Sabha MP, sought clarification from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on whether the government is aware that the average speed of Vande Bharat trains has decreased from 84.48 kilometre per hour in 2020-21 to 76.25 kilometre per hour in
2023-24 due to incomplete track upgradation and infrastructural constraints. The NCP MP also asked about the steps taken to expedite track modernization to enable Vande Bharat trains to run at their designated speeds.
In response, Vaishnaw, in a written reply on Friday (July 25), stated that the Vande Bharat Express trains are designed for a top speed of 180 kmph, while their maximum operating speed is 160 kmph.
'The Vande Bharat trains presently running over the Indian Railway network are SemiHigh speed train services with design speed of 180 kmph and maximum operating speed of 160 kmph,' the Union Minister said.
Elaborating further, the minister said that the average speed of the train depends upon various factors. 'The average speed of the train depends upon geometry of the track, stoppages enroute, maintenance work in the section etc,' he said.
Vaishnaw also stated that the upgradation and improvement of railway tracks on Indian Railways to increase the speed potential have been carried out in a big way during last 10 years. 'The measures for track upgradation include use of 60 kg rails, wider base concrete sleepers, thick web switches, longer rail panels, H Beam sleepers, modern track renewal and maintenance machines etc,' the minister said. He also added that there has been significant increase in speed potential of the tracks.
(Source: As per written statement submitted by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Rajya Sabha on July 25, 2025)
Anish Mondal is a business journalist with over nine years of experience. He writes on diverse subjects such as Infrastructure, Railways, Roadways, Aviation, Politics, Market, Parliamentary affairs, Corporate earnings, General and International news etc. ... Read More
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