Indian Railways has sanctioned infrastructure and technology upgrade projects worth over ₹765 crore to strengthen rail operations, expand line capacity, and modernise communication systems across key sections of the network.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the approved projects include electric traction system upgrades on major rail corridors and expansion of optical fibre communication infrastructure in Western Railway divisions.
Electric Traction Upgrade on Duvvada–Visakhapatnam–Vizianagaram Section
Indian Railways has sanctioned ₹318.07 crore to upgrade the electric traction system on the 106-km Duvvada–Visakhapatnam–Vizianagaram section of East Coast Railway.
The section will be upgraded from the existing 1×25 kV system to the advanced 2×25 kV system, enabling:
- Higher freight loading
- Improved train speeds
- Greater operational reliability
Located on the Howrah–Chennai rail corridor, this route plays a crucial role in transporting minerals and industrial goods from Odisha and Chhattisgarh to Visakhapatnam Port.
Officials said the upgrade will enhance power supply capacity and ensure smoother freight as well as passenger train operations.
Traction System Modernisation on Raichur–Guntakal Route
Another project worth ₹259.39 crore has been approved for upgrading the 126-km Raichur–Guntakal section under the South Central Railway.
The route, which runs through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, will also be upgraded from the 1×25 kV system to the 2×25 kV system.
This section is located on the Mumbai–Chennai rail corridor and the upgrade is expected to:
- Improve power supply capacity
- Support heavier freight trains
- Enable faster passenger services, including the Vande Bharat Express
Optical Fibre Network Expansion in Western Railway
Indian Railways has also approved ₹187.88 crore for strengthening the communication backbone in the Vadodara and Mumbai Central divisions of Western Railway.
The project includes laying 1,000 route kilometres of 4×48 core optical fibre cable (OFC), comprising:
- 692 km in Vadodara Division
- 308 km in Mumbai Division
The upgraded network will support advanced digital communication systems, including Kavach, India’s indigenous train collision avoidance system.
Boost to Railway Modernisation and Safety
Officials said the project will significantly strengthen digital infrastructure required for Kavach implementation and other modern railway communication systems.
The upgrades form part of a nationwide modernisation programme included in the 2024–25 Railway Budget, aimed at improving traction systems, expanding communication networks, and strengthening railway infrastructure.
Indian Railways said these projects will enhance operational efficiency, increase freight loading capacity, and support the operation of modern trains across major freight and passenger corridors in the country.
