Modernizing the Tracks: A ₹162 Crore Electric Evolution

The Ministry of Railways has approved the upgradation of electric traction infrastructure on two important railway corridors in South India—the Mahbubnagar–Secunderabad–Medchal section of South Central Railway and the Bengaluru–Tumkur section of South Western Railway—aimed at enhancing network capacity, reliability, and operational efficiency.

As part of the initiative, the Bengaluru–Tumkur corridor will be upgraded from the existing 1x25 kV electric traction system to a more advanced 2x25 kV system across 120 track kilometres. The project has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹162.57 crore.

The Bengaluru–Tumkur route forms a key segment of the Highly Utilised Network (HUN) Route-10, an important rail corridor linking major industrial, commercial, and economic centres along the Pune–Hubballi–Chikjajur–Birur–Tumkur–Bengaluru–Salem–Kanniyakumari axis. The route plays a vital role in supporting both freight movement and passenger transportation across southern India.

According to railway officials, the traction system upgrade will improve the efficiency and reliability of power supply to trains, enabling the corridor to handle higher traffic volumes and support future growth in rail operations. The modernization is also expected to enhance overall network performance, reduce operational constraints, and strengthen rail infrastructure across the region.

The approval reflects the Ministry of Railways’ continued focus on expanding capacity and modernizing critical railway infrastructure to meet rising transportation demand while improving service quality and operational resilience.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.