Rail electrification upgrade: The Ministry of Railways has upgraded electrification infrastructure across 596 track km (TKM) in the Kota Division of West Central Railway (WCR) to support future Vande Bharat services, train operations at speeds of up to 160 kmph and increased traffic on the Delhi-Mumbai route.As part of the upgrade, the division commissioned a modern 2×25 kV traction power supply system across a 128 TKM section between Salabad and Murhesi Rampur. The latest development takes the total length covered by the advanced traction system in the Kota Division to 596 TKM.According to Saurabh Jain, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Kota Division, the upgraded system is designed to meet the higher electricity requirements of faster passenger trains and freight services while improving power supply capacity, voltage stability and reliability.“As Indian Railways moves towards higher speeds and greater traffic density, a robust and reliable traction power supply system becomes essential. The 2×25 kV system will help meet the increased electrical demand arising from faster trains and more frequent train movements,” Jain said.Also Read | Vande Bharat train manufactured in Punjab completes 180 kmph trial on Mathura-Nagda sectionFourth traction substation commissioned at BharatpurThe division has also energised a 2×25 kV Traction Substation (TSS) at Bharatpur, which is now operating at full load. It is the fourth such substation in the division, following the commissioning of facilities at Suwasra, Gangapur City Junction and Ramganj Mandi.The traction system has been commissioned across three sections: 368 TKM between Nagda and Rawtha Road, 100 TKM between Malarna and Piloda, and 128 TKM between Salabad and Murhesi Rampur.“The upgraded infrastructure includes 12 Sub-Sectioning Posts (SSPs), seven Sectioning Posts (SPs) and four Traction Substations (TSSs). The newly energised section includes two Sectioning Posts at Salabad and Murhesi Rampur and two Sub-Sectioning Posts at Pingora and Jajanpatti,” Jain added.Story continues below this adAlso Read | Vande Bharat Sleeper trains: BHEL, Titagarh to form joint venture for 35-year maintenanceSupport faster trains and higher trafficThe railway official said that the 2×25 kV traction system is designed to supply higher electrical power over long railway sections while reducing voltage drops.“The strengthened infrastructure will be particularly beneficial as Indian Railways expands automatic signalling systems, which facilitate the movement of more trains at shorter intervals. With adequate traction power availability, the division will be better equipped to support increased train frequency, high-speed passenger services and heavier freight operations in the future,” he said.The upgrade is also relevant to Indian Railways’ Mission Raftaar, which envisages train operations at speeds of up to 160 kmph on the Delhi-Mumbai corridor.The improved traction infrastructure is also expected to support future Vande Bharat services and strengthen the network’s ability to handle increased passenger and freight traffic.Story continues below this adHowever, operating trains at 160 kmph also requires suitable track infrastructure, signalling systems and the necessary operational clearances. The electrification upgrade is one part of the broader effort to improve speed and capacity on the corridor.