Mumbai is set to benefit from a major speed upgrade on one of India’s busiest railway corridors, with Indian Railways working to enable 160 kmph train operations on the New Delhi-Mumbai route under Mission Raftaar. The initiative aims to bring the journey between the two cities closer to 12 hours, potentially reducing travel time for thousands of passengers travelling to and from Mumbai.
The upgrade involves extensive work across railway infrastructure, including traction systems, overhead equipment, signalling, telecommunications, yards and related civil and mechanical facilities.
Power Infrastructure Gets Major Upgrade
A key development has been the commissioning of the new 2×25 kV Chhata Traction Substation (TSS) in the Agra Division on September 7. The work forms part of the ongoing upgrade of the Palwal-Mathura section, an important stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai rail corridor.
Other installations, including Kosikalan SP, Mathura SP and Sholaka SSP, have already been charged. Further commissioning is scheduled at locations such as Vrindavan, Kotwan, Hodal, Ajhai, RDE and Rundhi over the coming weeks.
Railway authorities are also deploying SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) technology, which will allow traction power infrastructure to be monitored and controlled remotely from the Agra control hub.
Track and Signalling Work Underway
The speed enhancement is not limited to electrical infrastructure. Railway officials are simultaneously undertaking OHE modifications, auxiliary earth conductor work, super mast installation, signalling and telecom upgrades and yard remodelling.
On the Mathura-Bhuteshwar section, work includes the construction of a new UP line and a fourth line, alongside modifications at Bhuteshwar yard. Key works have been targeted for completion by September 30, 2026.
What It Means for Mumbai
The Delhi-Mumbai corridor is strategically important for Mumbai, connecting the city with major commercial and industrial centres across northern and western India. Higher permissible speeds could improve journey times for both business and leisure travellers while making rail travel more competitive with road and air options on the route.
For Mumbai-bound passengers, the proposed 12-hour New Delhi-Mumbai journey could represent a significant improvement over current travel times.
Mission Raftaar is ultimately aimed at extracting greater capacity and efficiency from existing railway corridors through infrastructure modernisation. Once the planned works are completed and high-speed trials are conducted, the upgraded Delhi-Mumbai route could bring Mumbai closer to a faster, more efficient national rail network.
For the city, the project could strengthen long-distance connectivity while supporting business travel, tourism and movement of people between Mumbai and the northern Indian economic belt
Source: The Indian Express
