The Railway Board on May 21, 2026, officially included 155 major trains under the high-speed category. This decision by the Ministry of Railways aims to recognize the operational challenges of fast trains and provide better benefits to the running staff. Several premium trains passing through Bhagalpur have also gained this status.
Which trains are included in the high-speed list?
The list includes top premium trains like Vande Bharat Express, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Tejas, and Humsafar. Other notable trains such as Prayagraj Express, Mahabodhi, Shivganga, and Shramshakti are also part of this category. The Vikramshila Superfast Express (12367/12368), which already runs at 130 kmph on the Kiul-Patna and Delhi main routes, is also included in this official list.
How will this affect Loco Pilots and Guards?
The primary goal of this classification is to increase the allowances for the staff managing these high-speed services. Due to the mental pressure of driving at 130 to 160 kmph, the monthly allowance for Loco Pilots and Guards is expected to rise by 5,000 to 10,000 rupees. The updated mileage rates are as follows:
| Staff Role | Old Rate (per 100km) | New Rate (per 100km) |
|---|---|---|
| Loco Pilot | 485 Rupees | 606 Rupees |
| Guard | 439 Rupees | 549 Rupees |
What upgrades happened on the Bhagalpur route?
To support higher speeds, the Bhagalpur-Jamalpur-Kiul section underwent significant upgrades. Work was done on a war footing to change diamond crossings, remove old sleepers, and fix loop lines. This has directly improved the speed of Vikramshila and Ang Express. Additionally, the construction of third and fourth lines on the Bhagalpur-Jamalpur section has been approved to reduce congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did the Railway Board create the high-speed category?
The category was created to provide higher mileage allowances to Loco Pilots and Guards who handle the extra mental pressure of driving trains at speeds between 130 and 160 kmph.
Which specific improvements were made on the Bhagalpur rail section?
Railways replaced diamond crossings, removed old sleepers, and improved loop lines on the Bhagalpur-Jamalpur-Kiul section to allow trains like Vikramshila and Ang Express to run faster.