Indian Railways Approves ₹447.58 Crore Electric Traction Upgrade Projects In South India

In a major boost to railway infrastructure and operational efficiency, Indian Railways has sanctioned two projects worth ₹447.58 crore to upgrade the existing 1×25 kV electric traction system to a modern 2×25 kV electric traction system on key railway corridors in South India. The projects cover the 120-km Bengaluru–Tumkur section of South Western Railway and the 141-km Mahbubnagar–Secunderabad–Medchal section of South Central Railway, aiming to enhance capacity, improve power reliability and support higher freight and passenger traffic.

Key Highlights

• Indian Railways approves projects worth ₹447.58 crore
• Bengaluru–Tumkur section upgrade sanctioned at ₹162.57 crore
• Mahbubnagar–Secunderabad–Medchal section upgrade sanctioned at ₹285.01 crore
• Existing 1×25 kV system to be converted into modern 2×25 kV traction system
• Projects expected to improve freight movement and passenger train operations
• Supports capacity enhancement on High Density Network (HDN) and Highly Utilised Network (HUN) routes

New Delhi, June 08 Indian Railways has sanctioned two major projects to modernise electric traction infrastructure across important railway corridors in southern India. The projects involve upgrading the existing 1×25 kV electric traction system to the more advanced 2×25 kV electric traction system with a combined investment of ₹447.58 crore.

The first project covers the 120-km Bengaluru–Tumkur section of the South Western Railway. The project has been approved at a cost of ₹162.57 crore and forms part of the strategically important Highly Utilised Network (HUN) Route-10. This corridor connects several major economic and industrial centres stretching from Pune to Kanniyakumari through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

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The upgraded 2×25 kV traction system is expected to strengthen power supply arrangements and enable trains to operate more efficiently. Railway officials believe the project will help accommodate increasing traffic volumes while supporting the operation of longer passenger trains and heavier freight services.

The Bengaluru–Tumkur route serves one of Karnataka’s busiest railway corridors and plays a critical role in regional connectivity. The enhancement is expected to reduce congestion, improve operational reliability and support the growing transportation needs of the Bengaluru metropolitan region and surrounding districts.

The second project involves the 141-km Mahbubnagar–Secunderabad–Medchal section of South Central Railway. The project has been sanctioned at a cost of ₹285.01 crore and is part of the important High Density Network (HDN) corridor connecting Dharmavaram, Dhone, Mahbubnagar, Secunderabad, Medchal, Mudkhed, Indore and Ajmer.

The introduction of the 2×25 kV electric traction system on this route will provide a more stable and efficient power supply for train operations. Railway authorities expect the project to improve train punctuality, enhance freight movement and increase overall route capacity.

The upgraded infrastructure will support the movement of larger freight loads while helping passenger trains operate more smoothly. Improved traction capability is expected to boost logistics efficiency and strengthen regional economic activity by facilitating faster transportation of goods and services.

The projects are part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to modernise electrical infrastructure, increase network capacity and improve operational performance across high-density routes. With freight demand and passenger traffic continuing to grow, the adoption of advanced traction technology is expected to play a key role in improving railway efficiency and supporting economic development.

The approval of the ₹447.58 crore electric traction upgrade projects marks another important step in Indian Railways’ modernization drive. By introducing advanced 2×25 kV traction systems on critical railway corridors, the projects are expected to enhance operational efficiency, improve freight movement, support passenger services and strengthen railway infrastructure across southern India.

FAQ Section

Q1. What is the total cost of the approved projects?
A. The total sanctioned cost is ₹447.58 crore.

Q2. Which railway sections will be upgraded?
A. Bengaluru–Tumkur and Mahbubnagar–Secunderabad–Medchal sections.

Q3. What technology is being introduced?
A. The existing 1×25 kV system will be upgraded to a modern 2×25 kV electric traction system.

Q4. What are the benefits of the upgrade?
A. Improved power reliability, increased freight capacity, smoother passenger train operations and enhanced network efficiency.