A Ray of hope/possibilities for further reduction of journey time of DQ/Mumbai-Pune rail travel.
Futuristic projects which can revolutionize and popularize Mumbai-Pune rail travel:-
-(1) Doubling & upgradation of Karjat Panvel route (CSTM-Pune 169kms i.e. shorter by about 23kms as compared to current CSTM-Pune 192km route). It will be CSTM-Mankhurd-Vasi-Panvel-Karjat-Pune route and not CSTM-Thane-Vashi-Panvel-Pune route(186kms). (project being taken up)
-1a-In current setup of tracks...
more... ICF SF can do the above journey in about 175 minutes
While a nonstop SF may do in about 155-160 minutes
-1b-After construction of dedicated corridors along the route and shifting of all suburban trains on those routes
ICF SF can do the above journey in about 150-155 minutes
While a nonstop SF may do in about 135-145 minutes
Use LHB coach at 130kmph – can do nonstop in about 130-135 minutes
For the track upgraded to Gatimaan standard (160kmph) and use of tilting train sets, time can be further brought down to about 110-120 minutes
(2) Dedicated Semi high speed (200kmph) track (or 350kmph HST may be done if cost permit) with a much shorter and straighter run reducing the distance from 192 to about 150kms (Ahmedabad-Mumbai-Pune Bullet train was planned but Mumbai-Pune section was dropped to contain total project cost).
Semi high speed 200kmph dedicated with trainsets means CSTM-Pune in about 60-85 minutes and
Dedicated 350kmph line (current fastest) means Mumbai to Pune nonstop in about 35-60 minutes
(3) Hyper loop is being mulled between Mumbai & Pune with a travel time of just about 15 minutes
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