Trains to run at 10-15 per cent higher speed by 2021-22

The average speed of the trains will increase by 10-15 per cent by 2021-22, provided the railways achieve 100 per cent electrification of its network. Also, this will increase the line capacity by the same amount. Besides 29,000 km route that was commissioned before, 13,000 km route was just approved. At present, 20,000 km route is under way. The railways is also planning to convert its diesel locomotives among its 5,500 fleet, which have run for 18 years, into electrical locomotives. The 1,000 diesel locomotives which will be delivered by General Electric (GE) will be used for disaster management and strategic needs. The conversion of each diesel would cost Rs 20 million, while their rehabilitation after 18 years is around 50 million.