In a significant push to modernize India's vast rail network and improve the travel experience for millions, Indian Railways has announced a major speed upgrade for hundreds of trains alongside the introduction of numerous new services. This multi-pronged initiative is designed to cut down journey times, ease congestion, and offer passengers faster, more efficient connectivity across the country.
Major Speed Boost for Hundreds of Trains
The cornerstone of this upgrade is the decision to increase the maximum permissible speed for 548 passenger trains across India. This move directly targets the reduction of travel time on key routes. A notable portion of these trains, specifically 12 services, operate within the East Central Railway (ECR) zone, promising quicker journeys for passengers in the Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh regions.
According to Saraswati Chandra, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of ECR, this step is a crucial part of Indian Railways' ongoing modernization and infrastructure enhancement program. She explained that after completing all necessary safety validations, track improvements, and signalling upgrades, the speed limit for these mail and express trains has been raised from 110 km per hour to 130 km per hour.
New Trains and Extended Services for 2025
Complementing the speed increase, the railways has rolled out a substantial expansion of its fleet and schedules. In 2025 alone, 122 new trains have been introduced across the nation. This includes advanced services like the Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains, with 20 of these new services operating under the ECR's jurisdiction.
Furthermore, to cater specifically to daily commuters and working professionals, the ECR zone has seen the launch of 20 new trains from various locations within its network. "These services are expected to improve regional connectivity, particularly for daily commuters and working professionals, while easing congestion on existing routes," stated CPRO Chandra.
Focus on Long-Distance and Future Mobility
Looking beyond daily commutes, the railways has also planned for better long-distance travel. Services for an additional 20 mail and express trains under the ECR have been extended. This extension will provide passengers with more flexible scheduling options and improved connectivity for interstate travel.
Chandra emphasized that the collective impact of these measures—faster trains, new introductions, and service extensions—is to fundamentally transform rail transport in India. The goal is to establish it as a faster, safer, and more passenger-friendly mode of travel. Ultimately, these strategic upgrades are poised to strengthen national connectivity and play a vital role in supporting the country's economic and social mobility by bringing cities and regions closer together.
