Bhopal–Bina Railway Track Improvements Raise Speed Limits to 90–130 km/h at Three Sections

The news

Bhopal Railway Division has removed permanent speed restrictions at three sections of the Bhopal–Bina railway corridor after completing track engineering improvements, effective immediately. The revised speed limits range from 90 to 130 km/h, which officials said will improve punctuality and operational capacity on the Delhi–Bhopal main route. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) Saurabh Kataria confirmed that the decision to lift restrictions and raise speed limits followed the completion of technical and engineering work at the three locations.

On the Bina–Mahadevkhedi down line (km 975.400–975.700), trains that previously crawled at 10 km/h due to a sharp 6.5-degree curve can now run at 110 km/h, an elevenfold increase. On the Karod–Agasod down line (km 984/17–984/19), the limit rose from 10 to 90 km/h after track and turnout alignment improvements. On the Bina–Kurai Kethora up line (km 974/25–974/19), the limit increased from 120 to 130 km/h after the transition length—the section between straight track and a curve—was corrected. The improvements address sharp curves, an old turnout and insufficient transition length that had forced trains to brake repeatedly.

What governs permanent speed restrictions on Indian Railways?

Permanent speed restrictions are imposed when track geometry does not meet safety standards for higher speeds. The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) was formed in 1957. RDSO issues guidelines on track geometry and permissible speeds. The Indian Railways Permanent Way Manual prescribes engineering standards for track construction and maintenance. The Anil Kakodkar committee on railway safety submitted its report in 2012.

Why were speed restrictions needed at these sections?

Railways impose speed restrictions when sharp curves, old turnouts or insufficient transition length create a risk of derailment or passenger discomfort. A 6.5-degree curve at Bina–Mahadevkhedi, a sharp turnout at Karod–Agasod and a short transition length at Bina–Kurai Kethora had forced trains to slow to 10 km/h or limit their speed to 120 km/h. The engineering department corrected these track geometry issues to allow higher permissible speeds.

What has the improvement achieved at each section?

At Bina–Mahadevkhedi down line, the speed limit rose from 10 to 110 km/h after the curve was corrected. At Karod–Agasod down line, track and turnout alignment work raised the limit from 10 to 90 km/h. At Bina–Kurai Kethora up line, improving the transition length increased the limit from 120 to 130 km/h. These are permissible maximums, not guaranteed operating speeds, and their practical effect depends on train operations and other constraints along the route.