Indian Railways Implements New Timetable, Reduces Travel Time on 107 Trains, Enhancing Efficiency | Representational Image
Mumbai: In a bid to enhance passenger convenience and improve operational efficiency, Indian Railways has introduced significant changes to its train schedules, effective from January 1, 2025. Under the new timetable, 107 long-distance trains on Western Railway (WR) have been speeded up.
“As part of the new timetable, a total of 1363 minutes of travel time have been saved across these 107 trains, with reductions ranging from 5 minutes to 85 minutes” said an official of WR.
Among the major changes, the travel time of the Bandra Terminus – Veraval Express has been cut by 85 minutes. The travel times for other key services, such as the Sabarmati – Varanasi Express (55 minutes), Bandra Terminus – Barmer Express (45 minutes), and Bandra Terminus – Bikaner Express (30 minutes), have also been reduced.
In addition, the travel time of the Amritsar – Mumbai Central Pashchim Express has been reduced by 25 minutes, and the Bandra Terminus – Bhagat Ki Kothi Express will now save 15 minutes.
However, due to operational reasons, the travel time of 24 trains has been increased. Notable changes include the Ahmedabad – Mumbai Central Gujarat Superfast’s travel time, which has increased by 4 minutes. Eleven trains, including the Bandra Terminus – Bhuj Express and Bandra Terminus – Lal Kuan Express, will see a 5-minute increase. Other trains will experience delays of 10, 15, 20, and even 25 minutes, including the Kanpur – Valsad Express, the Prayagraj – Ahmedabad Express, and the Gorakhpur – Bandra Terminus Express, which will see travel time increases of up to 55 minutes.
In another significant move, six express trains have been upgraded to superfast services, including the Valsad – Bhagat Ki Kothi Express, Sabarmati – Varanasi Express, and Bandra Terminus – Barmer Humsafar Express. Eight pairs of trains have been extended for added passenger convenience, while hundreds of trains on Western Railway have seen their arrival and departure times adjusted by 5 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, on Central Railway, numerous trains have been renumbered, and 17 trains will now make a commercial halt at Igatpuri. Additionally, the destinations of 11 trains have been extended, and several express trains have been converted into superfast services, further reducing travel times.
An official from Indian Railways stated, “These changes aim to provide faster, more reliable services while accommodating the growing demand for better rail connectivity. With these changes, Indian Railways hopes to improve the overall travel experience for passengers while maintaining efficient operations on both Western and Central Railway zones”
