Trial over, SR raises speed on city-Gudur stretch to 130 kmph

CHENNAI: In a welcome measure that would reduce travel time between Chennai and Gudur in Tirupati, the Southern Railway (SR) has increased the maximum permissible speed to 130 kmph from the existing 110 kmph.

Once the new time table for implementation of enhanced speed comes into force consequent to the speed upgrade, passengers bound for Andhra Pradesh destinations, New Delhi, Howrah and Mumbai will benefit from considerable reduction in journey time.

The decision to enhance the maximum speed on both the up and down lines between Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MGR Chennai Central-Gudur (MAS-GDR) was taken after the railways successfully completed a high-speed trial run.

During the trial that was undertaken in the presence of SR general manager BG Mallya, the special train formation covered the 134-km stretch between the two stations in 84 minutes.

Officials said the train clocked a top speed of 143 kmph. The general manager was accompanied by Principal Chief Engineer Desh Ratan Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager (Chennai) Ganesh and senior officials.

The railways achieved the speed enhancement with systematic and planned approach of strengthening the track, traction and signalling system and removal of various bottlenecks on the route, officials said.

Chennai Central - Gudur falls under the Golden Quadrilateral and Golden Diagonal routes (GQ-GD). The speed enhancement has been done in accordance with the Railway Board guidelines issued for enhancing the maximum permissible speed of all High density network, and GQ and GD routes to 130 kmph from 110 kmph.