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July 23

Speed of Indian train

I recently travelled in long distance train and a question stuck in my mind. Why the train was moving very slowly sometimes? I mean, I understand that red means stop and green means go. So what signal tell driver to move slowly. It was not only while nearing stations, It was even between stations. What I understand is that when train gets green signal. It should just rush to next station (and then maybe stop on outer area if platform not available), as there is only single track between stations which should be utilized properly. Also, its not like train can't achieve speed. At night it just ran over 100 kmph. -- 2409:4072:98:565D:BD6B:BD8F:134E:5E66 (talk) 17:52, 23 July 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Perhaps there were workers on the track, or may be the possibility of objects that the train may have to stop for. Perhaps the track is in poor condition and would cause a problem if the train is too fast. Graeme Bartlett (talk) 20:31, 23 July 2022 (UTC)[reply]

The trains slow down significantly when passing through townships to allow for cars to safely cross the tracks at the level crossings where I live. --Modocc (talk) 21:05, 23 July 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Whilst modern trains can indeed reach speeds over 100kph, there are various factors the influence linespeed (amongst them)

level crossings.
condition and alignment of track. For safe operation at higher speed you need level track ideally without unplanned Cant (road/rail), and very shallow curves.
The potential for track workers, pedestrians and animals on the line. Lineside fencing is not always provided outside of Europe.
Operational limits of the rolling-stock. Older stock may operate at lower speeds for reasons for keeping it reliable.

ShakespeareFan00 (talk) 08:50, 24 July 2022 (UTC)[reply]

There are speed limit on railways, which are indicated by track side signage. The driver must obey them, or risk getting sacked. If trains are driven too fast they can derail at a corner, or overshoot a red light, both of which can cause serious (or even fatal) accidents. LongHairedFop (talk) 17:14, 24 July 2022 (UTC)[reply]

A public transport network cannot operate efficiently or safely unless its operators exert best effort to follow a given timetable. Best effort on the part of a train driver who sees his train as running ahead of schedule is not to drive as fast as possible but instead to slow down. Philvoids (talk) 19:54, 24 July 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Longer-distance and/or fast passenger trains often have to use the same tracks as slower (often local stopping service) passenger trains, and freight trains. There may be few opportunities for one train to overtake another, except for where tracks split at stations, or at passing loops.

Railway signals are more complicated than "Go or stop." They may also tell, with amber lights, whether there is another train ahead in the next, or next but one, section of track: every train has to keep a safe distance from one in front, as trains need a long distance to stop, so a fast train may often be forced to slow down because of a slower train in front. Operational timetables try to optimise the separation between trains and minimise delays, but with many trains and limited tracks, some delays are unavoidable. {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 90.201.73.20 (talk) 12:10, 25 July 2022 (UTC)[reply]