Page 152 - Technology Roadmap Transportation

TECHNOLOGY VISION 2035

4.0
ROADMAP OF RAILWAYS

TECHNOLOGIES

4.1 CAPACITY AUGMENTATION which must be used for passenger traffic and
Between now and 2035, the passenger and freight feeder service only.
freight traffic in India is expected to grow by b) Alternative to the above could be developing
another 40% and 37% respectively. However, exclusive high speed passenger network
while both passenger and freight traffic has shown connecting state capitals, existing major railway
phenomenal growth, the inputs have not grown at junctions, centres of business, and airports.
this rate. Though railways have evolved from steam In this scenario, existing network must be
to diesel to electric traction, and also adopted a used predominantly for freight traffic and for
uniform gauge policy (broad gauge), technological passenger feeder services.
intervention has been rather slow and also out of
pace with the global standard of development.
Two dedicated freight corridors between Delhi-
Kolkata and Delhi-Mumbai are now being built.
Technology intervention is needed in the following In parallel, railways have also set-up another
key areas –
corporation for building a high speed rail corridor
(i) maximum speed and average speeds of (HSRC). However, unless these two agencies plan
passenger trains, and build passenger and freight networks with
seamless integration and with due coordination
(ii) average speeds of freight trains and
of the railway ministry, the future vision will not
(iii) load carrying capacity of wagons. be fulfilled. The latter option is preferred, as it will
cause least disturbance in changing over from the
The above three key enablers will need further present to the future.
technology intervention in many associated
disciplines, including Passenger traffic has to be dealt under the three
categories mentioned below:
• high speed trains with tilting technology,
• higher axle load wagons,
• tracks suitable for higher axle load, (i) Long distance travel involving a

• better payload to tare weight ratio, night or part of a night requiring
• signalling and communication sleeper facilities;
systems for safe operation,

• use of energy efficient systems,
(ii) Medium distance involving four
• other passenger amenities and
facilities. to five hours of travel (example
business travel);
One of the following options can be
adopted in increasing the throughput
of passenger and freight trains: (iii) Short distance commuting,
a) Developing an exclusive freight involving less than two hours of
network, connecting major centres travel and including suburban
of business, originating points of and urban transport like metro
minerals, ores and ports. This will
ease out the freight traffic from the rail.
existing mixed lines. Augment the
existing network for higher speed, PASSENGER TRAFFIC CATEGORIES

150 RAILWAYS