* Before going for speed upgradation, the technical feasibility along with cost and economics have to be considered.
* Upgrading very good BCT-ADI track to 160kmph will cost Rs 6 crore per KM. Upgrading an inferior track (90% of total IR Tracks) to 160kmph will be even costlier. Further upgradation to 200kmph is likely to cost about double of above cost. Upgradation to 160kmph of all 65000 KMS of track may cost about Rs. 6 Lac Crores and to 200kmph about 12.5lac Crores
* Upgradation of all the track is not a...
more... wise decision, as 200kmph trains sharing track with 70-100 kmph freight trains shall make operation very cumbersome, unsafe and shall drastically reduce the line capacity.
* 160-200 kmph train should preferably run on a dedicated track which is possible only after parallel Dedicated Freight Corridor is constructed which tan take over the all the load of freight trains.
* First Major Conventional Route which is expected to permit operation of 160-200 kmph trains is Delhi-Mumbai & Delhi-Sonnagar (of Delhi-HWH route). Expected completion of DFCs is Yr 2021 and upgradation of above routes should be completed within a couple of years of the completion of DFC (subject to availability of funds)
* Best strategy of speed upgradation is to construct more DFCs (parallel to GQ route) and simultaneously upgrade the concerned GQ route. Small 160-200kmph routes should also be developed simultaneously on selected sections like MAS-SBC, NDLS-CDG/ASR/JAT, CSTM-MAO, NDLS-JP-JU/AII, MGS-PNBE etc