The project will enable the sections to handle higher traffic volumes and support heavier freight trains, among others. (Image generated using AI)Indian Railways Electric Traction System Upgrade: Indian Railways on Monday sanctioned the upgradation of the electric traction system on two key rail routes in Telangana and Karnataka. The project is part of the national transporter’s efforts to enhance network capacity and build a future-ready railway system.The upgrade is expected to benefit both passengers and industries by improving rail infrastructure, operational efficiency and the ability to handle higher traffic volumes, it said.Also Read | Titagarh Rail Systems to manufacture aluminium railway coaches entirely in India by FY27Upgradation of Electric Traction System in TelanganaIn Telangana, the electric traction system will be upgraded on the Mahbubnagar-Secunderabad-Medchal section of the South Central Railway. It is part of one of the country’s important High-Density Network (HDN) routes and falls on the Dharmavaram-Dhone-Mahbubnagar-Secunderabad-Medchal-Mudkhed-Indore-Ajmer rail corridor.According to Railways, the existing 1×25 kV electric traction system will be upgraded to a modern 2×25 kV electric traction system. “The work will be undertaken over this approximately 141 route kilometre rail section at a cost of Rs 285.01 crore.The introduction of the 2×25 kV system will provide a more stable and efficient power supply for train operations, making rail services smoother, safer and more reliable.” it said.Also Read | Vande Bharat Sleeper train: RVNL targets December 2026 for first prototype launchUpgradation of Electric Traction System in KarnatakaIn Karnataka, the electric traction system will be upgraded on the Bengaluru-Tumkur section. The stretch is one of busiest railway corridors in the South Western Railway. The section forms part of the strategically important Highly Utilized Network (HUN) Route-10, which connects major economic and industrial centres along the Pune-Hubballi-Chikjajur-Birur-Tumkur-Bengaluru-Salem-Kanniyakumari corridor.According to Railways, the upgradation project involves the conversion of the existing 1×25 kV electric traction system to a 2×25 kV electric traction system over a stretch of 120 Track Kilometres (TKM) at a cost of Rs 162.57 crore.Story continues below this ad“The upgraded system is expected to support the operation of heavier freight trains and longer passenger services while improving overall reliability of electric traction infrastructure.The project will contribute to decongesting a key rail route serving the Bengaluru metropolitan region and adjoining districts, while also supporting smoother movement of passenger and freight traffic across Karnataka and southern India,” the Ministry of Railways said.Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram