Indian Railways is focusing on a major infrastructure overhaul to enhance train speeds across its network. While the design for the indigenous B35 bullet train aiming for 350 kmph is underway, the current operational speeds of premium trains like Vande Bharat and Gatimaan Express have been adjusted. The Railway Board has decided to limit these trains to 130 kmph on certain sections until the Kavach safety system is fully deployed. This move aims to ensure passenger safety while maintaining a reliable schedule across busy corridors like Tughlakabad to Agra.
🗞️: Railway safety boost: Kavach 4.0 technology commissioned on 224.5 km Vadodara-Nagda section।
Current Operational Speeds of Major Indian Trains
Most premium trains in India are now operating within a specific speed bracket based on track capability and safety protocols. The New Delhi – Mumbai Rajdhani remains one of the fastest services with a permissible speed of 140 kmph. Below is the updated list of operational speeds for various train categories as per the latest data.
| Train Name | Design Speed (km/h) | Current Operational Speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|
| Vande Bharat Express | 180 | 130 – 160 |
| Gatimaan Express | 160 | 130 |
| Tejas Express | 200 | 130 |
| New Delhi-Mumbai Rajdhani | 160 | 140 |
| Duronto Express | 160 | 130 |
| Humsafar Express | 160 | 130 |
Future Projects and Track Infrastructure Upgrades
The Ministry of Railways has shared significant updates regarding future high-speed corridors and existing track improvements. As of early 2026, over 23,713 kilometres of railway track have been upgraded to handle speeds of 130 kmph or higher. Additionally, work is progressing on the indigenous B28 and B35 bullet trainsets manufactured by BEML in Bengaluru.
- B35 Bullet Train: Designed for 350 kmph with an operational target of 320 kmph.
- B28 Trainsets: Operational speed of 250 kmph with a design speed of 280 kmph.
- High Speed Corridors: Seven new corridors spanning 4,000 km have been sanctioned in the Budget 2026-27.
- Mumbai-Ahmedabad Corridor: Expected to be fully operational by 2028-29 for speeds up to 350 kmph.