Dear friend, Story of speed on the KR is one of the most interesting one, which I am trying to put in the following paragraphs.
(1) First (high) speed trials on KR (MAO-PNVL) was successfully completed way back in 26.12.02 to 29.12.2002 in stages, at the operating speeds of 130/140/150 kmph. Max. speed attained for a small stretch was 179 kmph on 28.12.02 as per the statement given by the then KR chief (Mr. Raja Ram).
(2) Train was hauled by GE made WDP4 loco with 3 LHB (German imported) coaches...
more... i.e. 1 AC CC, 1 oscillograph car and 1 Generator-cum-Brakevan. During trial, Madgaon to Roha (442 kms) was done in about 31/2 hours, kms Margao to Panvel (512km) was done in 41/2 hrs. But Roha-Panvel-CSTM section was a dampener. There were thoughts of operating the train from Navi Mumbai (Panvel) to avoid congested Mumbai suburban network, but were dropped as Navi Mumbai was not so well developed/ populated at that time.
3) First, fastest and the best Jan Shatabdi Express on IR was started in Apr’02 to mark the beginning of 150th anniversary of IR. With very high priority and speed probably (120kmph), it covered 572 km in just 8 hrs (much faster than any commercially run train on the section ever). Something bigger was planned to celebrate the culmination of the 150th year.
4) Fastest train on IR network was proudly announced before the media, and was planned for inclusion in RB 2003-04 (announcement in Feb’03). With a booked speed of 150kmph, it was planned for inaugural run at the completion of 150th anniversary of IR i.e. 16.4.2003. A super JS at the beginning of 150th year and the Super-Duper Shatabdi at the culmination of 150th year, on the first section of IR, grand plans indeed for glorious 150 anniversary celebration !!
5) This train was supposed to run as Shatabdi Express between Dadar & Madgaon, so as to complete the journey in just 6-6.5 hours as compared to 10-12 hrs taken by normal express trains. With 10 acc coaches (German imported LHB), it was planned to depart from MAO in the morning reaching PNVL well with in 5 hrs and last 1-1.5 hr was earmarked for journey till end destination (DR/ CSTM) with good slack time . Almost noiseless, comfortable journey with reclining seats, curtains etc was slated to cost around Rs 1200/- per seat.
6) It was reported that Commissioner for Rail Safety was satisfied with fitness of KR for 150kmph train operation. However the clearances from RDCIS, CRS, RB were getting delayed. RB was cautious to go beyond 130kmph speed for a hilly KR track. The Goa-Mum Shatabdi could not be included in RB 2003 and grand inaugural run in Apr’03 could not happen. In spite of enormous efforts made by the KRC chief to get all the requisite clearances and arrangements, were much delayed.
7) Unfortunately first major accident on the KR happened on the night of 22nd june 2003 when a Mumbai bound express train derailed at the entrance of tunnel killing about 50 passengers. The 150 kmph Shatabdi plan was shelved.
8) Next monsoon 16.6.04, again Mumbai bound Matasyagandha express collided with the boulder/loose earth fallen on the track, and fell into the river causing 20 deaths. With credibility of KR coming under question, KR have to play safe through introduction of new practice called "Monsoon Timetable" with mps of express trains reduced to just 75kmph!. The DR-MAO JS was drastically slowed down and 2 rakes are employed now. This was the dead end to the 150kmph chapter of KR even before it could open! It took IR more than a decade to touch 150kmph mark, when BPL Statabdi start doing it in a small Palval-AGC stretch.
9) Although today, after a decade of herculean efforts, the menace of boulder falling/ landslide has been well managed/ controlled through various appreciable measures taken by KR like boulder nets/ planting vetivar grass etc. How much of the speed potential of saturated KR tracks, (pegged at 160kmph) could be utilized depends on its doubling and intention of KR/IR to go for higher speed.
Probably the earlier trials have to be revalidated by conducting fresh trials in order to ensure safety, before higher commercial speeds could be implemented on KR.
