At what speed do Indian trains run?

On meter gauge, the trains slow down, with express trains plying at 30 km an hour and goods trains at 14 km an hour.

Also on broad gauge, EMUs (electrical multiple units) run at 40 km an hour and ordinary passenger trains cover 36 km an hour.

The speed of trains, Bansal explained, was dependent on factors such as the trains themselves, signalling system, rolling stock and stoppages.

"It is a constant endeavour of Indian Railways to improve the average speed of trains," he said.