Snag could delay high-speed trains

In the past 10 days, the high-speed local has been tested nearly eight times. Although there were no major issues during the trial runs, problems were noticed in the shock absorbers.

In the past 10 days, the high-speed local has been tested nearly eight times. Although there were no major issues during the trial runs, problems were noticed in the shock absorbers.

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It was identified when the train hit around 120kmph, the fastest for a local train in Mumbai, on the Western Railway. After a few more trials at this speed, the railways will attempt to run the train at above 140kmph.

“It is not a major fault, a problem was found in some of the shock absorbers below certain bogies,” said a senior railway official on condition of anonymity. Shock absorbers are usually placed between the axles and bogies. In a four-wheeler or two-wheeler, a shock absorber’s main function is to reduce jerks inside a coach, which could inconvenience commuters. “The wheels of a train run on tracks that are rigid. To reduce jerks inside coaches, shock absorbers are fitted so that the impact from the track isn’t much,” said another railway official.

Officials have noted this problem that may delay actual running of the trains. They said this wouldn’t affect trial runs. They will give their report of the findings to the Research, Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), and the railway board.“The trial run is going smoothly. We have written to the RDSO about its initial success,” said Sharat Chandrayan, chief PRO, WR.

Officials will check respective train's physical condition and sustainability at such high speeds. This will help test braking systems, oscillation of coaches while moving and overall effectiveness.