Indian Railways has approved a ₹163 crore project to upgrade the electric traction system on the Parbhani-Mudkhed double line in the Nanded division of South Central Railway. The project will convert the existing 1×25 kV system to a modern 2×25 kV traction network, boosting freight capacity, supporting Vande Bharat Express operations, and improving overall railway efficiency.
Key Highlights
- ₹163 crore sanctioned for electric traction upgradation in Nanded division.
- 164 track kilometres to be upgraded from 1×25 kV to 2×25 kV system.
- Project to strengthen freight movement and support Vande Bharat Express services.
- Upgrade forms part of Indian Railways’ infrastructure modernization and freight expansion strategy.
New Delhi, July 28: Indian Railways has sanctioned a ₹163 crore project to modernize the electric traction system on the Parbhani-Mudkhed double line section in the Nanded division of South Central Railway, marking another milestone in the country’s railway infrastructure expansion. According to the Ministry of Railways, the project will upgrade the existing 1×25 kV electric traction system to a more advanced 2×25 kV system across 164 track kilometres, along with comprehensive power supply installations designed to meet higher electrical loads. The modernization is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, increase line capacity and strengthen the reliability of train operations.
The Parbhani-Mudkhed section is a vital component of the Highly Utilised Network (HUN) Route-9, which connects Ajmer, Indore, Khandwa, Akola, Purna, Mudkhed, Secunderabad, Mahbubnagar and Dhone. By introducing the 2×25 kV traction system, Indian Railways will enhance power availability for locomotives, enabling the corridor to handle higher freight traffic while also supporting the operation of Vande Bharat Express trains. The improved traction infrastructure is expected to reduce operational constraints, improve energy efficiency and facilitate faster and more reliable train movement along one of the country’s important freight and passenger corridors.
The project also aligns with Indian Railways’ target of achieving 3,000 million tonnes of freight loading by 2029-30. Upgrading high-density railway corridors with advanced electrical infrastructure is a key component of the national strategy to improve logistics efficiency, reduce transportation costs and strengthen India’s multimodal transport network. The enhanced traction system will ensure adequate power supply for heavier freight trains and high-speed passenger services, supporting the growing demand for rail transportation across the country.
India has emerged as a global leader in railway electrification, with 99.6% of its broad gauge network electrified, second only to Switzerland, which has a much smaller network. According to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Indian Railways electrified 48,072 route kilometres between 2014 and 2026, compared with 21,801 route kilometres electrified during the previous six decades. The rapid pace of electrification has placed India ahead of countries such as China, Spain, Japan, France and the United Kingdom in terms of the percentage of electrified railway networks, reinforcing the country’s commitment to building a modern, efficient and environmentally sustainable railway system.
The ₹163 crore electric traction upgrade in the Nanded division reflects Indian Railways’ continued investment in modern infrastructure. By enhancing power capacity, increasing freight efficiency and enabling advanced passenger services like Vande Bharat Express, the project will contribute to the long-term modernization and expansion of India’s railway network.
