New Delhi: In a major infrastructure push aimed at strengthening railway operations on a key freight corridor, Indian Railways has approved a ₹163 crore project to upgrade the electric traction system on the Parbhani–Mudkhed double line section in the Nanded Division of South Central Railway.
The sanctioned project includes the upgradation of the existing traction system along with associated power supply installations to enhance operational efficiency, support heavier freight movement and facilitate the operation of Vande Bharat Express trains on the route.
164 Track Kilometres to Get Advanced Traction System
The project involves converting the existing 1×25 kV electric traction system into a more advanced 2×25 kV traction system across 164 track kilometres.
The upgraded traction network will be supported by enhanced power supply infrastructure capable of handling increased electrical loads generated by faster passenger trains and heavier freight operations.
The 2×25 kV system is considered more efficient for high-density railway routes as it improves voltage stability, reduces transmission losses and enables trains to draw higher power without affecting network reliability.
Strategic Route on Highly Utilised Network
The Parbhani–Mudkhed section forms part of the strategically important Highly Utilised Network (HUN) Route-9, one of Indian Railways’ key freight and passenger corridors.
The route connects:
- Ajmer
- Indore
- Khandwa
- Akola
- Purna
- Mudkhed
- Secunderabad
- Mahbubnagar
- Dhone
Given its strategic importance, the corridor carries substantial passenger and freight traffic, making infrastructure augmentation essential for meeting future demand.
Boost for Freight and Vande Bharat Operations
According to the Ministry of Railways, the upgraded electric traction system will significantly strengthen the power supply available for train operations.
The enhanced capacity will enable:
- Higher freight loading on the corridor.
- Smooth operation of Vande Bharat Express trains.
- Improved reliability of train services.
- Better operational efficiency on a high-density railway route.
The project is also expected to reduce operational bottlenecks arising from increasing train loads and growing traffic demand.
Supports Railways’ Freight Vision
The traction upgradation aligns with Indian Railways’ long-term objective of increasing freight transportation capacity.
The Ministry said the project will contribute towards the national target of achieving 3,000 million tonnes of freight loading by 2029–30, a key milestone under the Railways’ capacity enhancement strategy.
Strengthening electrical infrastructure on heavily utilised routes is considered essential for operating longer and heavier freight trains while simultaneously accommodating faster passenger services.
Part of Railway Modernisation Drive
The approval reflects Indian Railways’ continued focus on modernising its electrical infrastructure and improving the efficiency of operations across major corridors.
By adopting advanced traction technology and upgrading power supply systems, the Railways aims to improve network capacity, reduce energy losses and ensure reliable train operations on some of the country’s busiest routes.
The Parbhani–Mudkhed project is expected to play a significant role in enhancing the overall performance of South Central Railway while supporting India’s expanding freight and passenger transport requirements.
