VIJAYAWADA: With the South Central Railway (SCR) upgrading its track between Vijayawada and Duvvada stretching up to a distance of 330.94 route km, the maximum permissible speed of trains between the two stations has been increased to 130 kmph.
This also means the entire rail network along the Golden Diagonal of the Golden Quadrilateral (GD-GQ) involving 1,743.40 route km is now fit to handle trains running at maximum speeds of 130 kmph.
Apart from Vijayawada-Duvvada, the other stretches on the Golden Diagonal are Balharshah-Kazipet-Gudur of 744 route km, Wadi-Guntakal-Renigunta of 536 route km and Secunderabad-Kazipet involving 132 route km.
SCR general manager Arun Kumar Jain said with signalling and track upgradation of the last section along GD-GQ within SCR (Vijayawada-Duvvada) having been completed, the section has been accorded permission to operate trains up to a maximum speed of 130 kmph. This has been achieved with systematic and planned approach of strengthening track and other infrastructure, apart from removing bottlenecks.
Arun Kumar explained that this involved placing of heavier rails, laying 260 metres-long welded rail panels, improving curves, gradients and traction distribution equipment, increasing compatibility of locomotives and coaches and enhancing signalling systems.
The SCR GM complimented all officers and staff instrumental in completing this critical task. Their effort will pave way for introduction of trains capable of running at higher speeds, he stated.
