Indian Railways has approved two major electric traction upgradation projects worth nearly ₹448 crore in Karnataka and Telangana as part of its efforts to enhance rail capacity, improve operational efficiency, and support growing passenger and freight traffic on key rail corridors.
The projects involve upgrading the existing 1×25 kV electric traction system to a modern 2×25 kV system on the Bengaluru–Tumakuru section of South Western Railway and the Mahbubnagar–Secunderabad-Medchal section of South Central Railway.
In Telangana, Indian Railways has sanctioned ₹285.01 crore for the upgradation of the 141-route-km Mahbubnagar–Secunderabad–Medchal section. The route forms part of an important High-Density Network corridor that carries substantial passenger and freight traffic. The upgraded traction system is expected to provide a more stable power supply, improve operational reliability, and enhance the route’s freight-handling capability.
In Karnataka, a ₹162.57 crore project has been approved for the Bengaluru–Tumakuru section, one of the busiest railway corridors in the South Western Railway network. The project covers approximately 120 track kilometres and forms part of the strategically important Highly Utilised Network route connecting major industrial and economic centres across southern India.
The conversion to the 2×25 kV traction system will strengthen power supply arrangements, enabling the operation of heavier freight trains and longer passenger services while improving overall reliability and efficiency of train operations.
The Bengaluru–Tumakuru project is also expected to ease congestion on a key railway corridor serving the Bengaluru metropolitan region and adjoining districts, supporting smoother movement of both passenger and freight traffic.
Meanwhile, the upgraded traction system on the Telangana section is expected to improve train operations on one of the country’s important freight and passenger routes, facilitating faster and more efficient movement of goods while supporting trade and industrial activity in the region.
The approvals form part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to modernise railway infrastructure, increase network capacity, and build a future-ready rail system capable of meeting rising transportation demand across the country.