Indian Railways is undertaking extensive infrastructure upgrades along the Delhi–Mumbai rail corridor to enable trains to operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph under Mission Raftaar. The modernisation drive aims to reduce travel time between the two cities to approximately 12 hours while improving operational efficiency.
As part of the initiative, the Kota Division of West Central Railway has upgraded its electrification infrastructure across 596 track kilometres (TKM). A modern 2×25 kV traction power supply system has been commissioned along a 128 TKM stretch between Salabad and Murhesi Rampur, bringing the total length covered by the advanced system in the division to 596 TKM.
The wider programme includes improvements to traction power supply, overhead electrical equipment, signalling systems and railway yard layouts across key sections of the 1,386-kilometre corridor.
North Central Railway has also advanced electrification works in the Agra Division. Officials previously confirmed that a new 2×25 kV traction substation at Chhata had been energised. The installation forms part of the upgrade covering the 84-route-kilometre Palwal–Mathura section, equivalent to approximately 336 track kilometres.
Power installations at Kosikalan, Mathura and Sholaka have also been energised. Meanwhile, facilities at Vrindavan, Kotwan, Hodal and Ajhai are undergoing testing and commissioning.
Beyond power infrastructure, the project involves modifications to overhead equipment, installation of super masts and auxiliary earth conductors, and yard remodelling at Mathura and Bhuteshwar.
Railway authorities have additionally incorporated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology to enable remote monitoring and management of traction power systems from the Agra control hub. This is expected to improve response times and operational coordination as train speeds increase.
Once the necessary upgrades are completed, the corridor will support Vande Bharat Express services and other premium trains capable of running at 160 kmph. This would mark an improvement over the existing maximum operational speed of 130 kmph on most sections, strengthening connectivity between Delhi and Mumbai.
Source: Swarajya
