During the financial year 2024–25, the speeds of the loop at 15 stations covering 19 loops were increased to 30 km / h. | Photo Credit: File Photos
In order to increase its operational efficiency and reduce transit times, the southwest rail (SWR) implements a comprehensive speed increase in speed throughout its network. The SWR has increased speeds of 835 kilometers of its network in the financial year 2024–25, resulting in a cumulative time savings of more than 60 minutes.
According to officials, this initiative includes growing speeds on loops and increasing the maximum permissible sectional speeds (MPS) on key routes, which benefits both goods and passengers’ movement.
SWR chief official said that the ongoing pressure on the infrastructure covering the division of Bengalur, Hubballi and Mysur already shows measurable results. “Not only does passengers become faster and more accurate, but also the trains of the goods move faster throughout the zone and contribute to improving logistics and economic growth,” the official said.
Bengalur’s division represented upgrade 591 km
During the financial year 2024–25, the speeds of the loop at 15 stations covering 19 loops were increased to 30 km / h. Hubballi division took the lead, upgraded 10 stations and 12 loops.
“The loop speed increased the cleaning places in the stations and ensured a faster crossover of trains from the main line. This plays an essential role in reducing the delay of sections and improving accuracy,” the official explained.
In the years 2025–26, with the Hubball division further upgrade five loop lines at four stations, which resulted in another 12 minutes that have been spared so far. Only in FY 2024–25, SWR upgraded 835 kilometers of routes, saving more than 60 minutes in the total travel time. The Bengalur Division represented 591 km of this upgrade, giving 41 minutes to save time.
135 km track boost in FY26, 17 minutes
“The key improvements were the increasing line speed from 110 km / h to 130 km / h to 281 km and from 100 km / h to 110 km / h above 495 km. This allowed faster trains, improved use slots and better leveling with national standards.
The southwest railway operates around 400 coaching trains through its network daily and covers 3,692 kilometers and 384 stations. “Faster average speed and shortened loops allow trains to run closer to their planned times. We have already seen improved accuracy and reduced overload,” the official added.
In addition to passenger trains, the speed improvement was implemented in freight operations. “We see improved competitiveness in rail transport, which is essential for industrial corridors and economic zones operated by our network,” the official said.
Published – July 26 2025 9:09
