In a strategic move to elevate efficiency and curtail travel time, Western Railway (WR) officials are actively implementing Mission Raftaar, a transformative initiative aimed at boosting speeds on crucial routes. Among the highlighted routes, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor is poised for a significant speed upgrade, soaring from the existing 130 kmph to an impressive 160 kmph.
The estimated cost for this ambitious project within the jurisdiction of WR is projected at ₹3959 crores, and the authorities are steadfast in their goal to complete the project by March 2024. This groundbreaking advancement will notably benefit renowned trains such as Vande Bharat, Tejas, and Shatabdi Express, ultimately leading to a substantial reduction in the travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, currently standing at six hours.
The broader vision of Mission Raftaar encompasses achieving a maximum speed of 160 kmph for passenger trains. The primary focus extends to critical sections, notably the 1,479 km Delhi-Mumbai and 1,525 km Delhi-Howrah routes. Engineering enhancements play a pivotal role in this mission, with ongoing works including the reinforcement of bridge approaches through innovative geocells.