Talgo train trial run illegal? Who gave the approval for the trial, CRS asks Railways

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: The Railways may have successfully conducted the Spanish-made Talgo train run trial which clocked just about 12 hours between Delhi-Mumbai route, however, it seems to have run into a controversy.

The Commissioner Railway Safety (CRS), which gives clearances on go-ahead of such trial runs, has asked the Railways as to who gave them the approval for the test.

Railways had conducted trials of Talgo on Delhi-Mumbai route successfully last month by clocking about 12 hours which was 4 hours less that Rajdhani travel time.

And for such trial runs, the Railways is to get mandatory clearances from CRS before running new trains as per the standard procedure.

However, it appears that Railways had not sought CRS permission for the trial run of Talgo train.

"Since it was a trial run and there was no involvement of passengers in the entire operation, no permission was sought from CRS," said a senior railway ministry official, adding, "the trial was conducted with the Railway Board's approval".

"We have responded to the CRS about the whole issue stating the details of trial operation," the official said.

On whether CRS would be informed in future of such trials, he said a decision is yet to be taken on such issues.

The trial of Talgo coaches, shipped from Barcelona, was conducted with empty coaches as well as coaches filled with sand bags.

Railways aims to reduce travel time between the two metropolis by increasing train speed on the existing track. The light-weight Spanish coaches can easily negotiate on the curves as it takes less time to accelerate and decelerate on the existing track.

Since there are a large number of high-speed rail vendors in the market, the Railways is yet to decide on whether it will float tenders or get into a public partnership model with Talgo as a way forward.

With PTI Inputs