Western Railway Successfully Installs Metal Fencing Along 357 Km Stretch Of Mumbai-Ahmedabad Section, Vande Bharat To Run At 160 Kmph

The Western Railway Zone (WR) of Indian Railways has completed the fencing along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route to reduce cattle run-over incidences.

The construction of the 357-kilometre-long barrier began in January of this year. The measure follows Vande Bharat Express's several cattle-hitting incidents.

The metal beam fencing was constructed in 150 route kilometres (RKM) in Mumbai Central, 175 RKM in Vadodara, and 31 RKM in Ahmedabad.

The metal fencing is exceptionally strong because it is made of two W-beams. These beams represent bigger, wider flanges that help resist bend stress. These types of fencing are often utilised on highways and motorways, particularly in high-accident zones, to protect both automobiles and pedestrians.

The zonal railway has planned to build a metal barrier on the 623 RKM at a cost of around Rs 245 crore, reports Financial Express.

The Vande Bharat trains are designed to ensure that there is no severe damage to them due to cattle runovers. The premium trains have replaceable cone-shaped cover in the front portion which is made of fibre-reinforced plastic to absorb the impact of a collision with cattle.

This cover costs the Railways around Rs 10,000 to 15,000 per piece and they are replaced within hours of a collision. The national transporter has a basket of around 10 spares for these trains.

The semi-high speed will be able to run at a speed of 160 kmph after the project is completed. In addition, other mail and express trains would benefit from the fencing work since train operations in the segment would be simplified.