Railways may start two high speed trains

Two long-distance trains between Delhi and Howrah and Delhi and Chennai with speed of up to 150 kmph are expected to be announced by railway minister Lalu Prasad in the budget for fiscal 2005-06, which is in
the final stages of preparations.

The minister is also likely to announce the launch of four freight trains at speeds of 100 kmph on high density routes connecting the four metros, railway ministry sources said today.

He may also announce a high speed corridor to introduce "bullet" trains between Mumbai and Ahmedabad with a speed of 250-300 kmph. This project is being launched after getting a nod from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who has been championing the modernisation of railways.

A "frequent travellers scheme" is expected to be announced by Prasad under which frequent travellers of upper class will earn points that will win them free tickets.