164 Track Km Modernisation on South Central Railway to Strengthen Freight Movement, Passenger Services and Regional Connectivity

Indian Railways has approved a ₹163 crore infrastructure upgrade to modernise the electric traction system on the Parbhani–Mudkhed double-line section in the Nanded Division of South Central Railway. The project will upgrade the existing 1×25 kV electric traction system to a 2×25 kV system across 164 Track Kilometres, improving power supply, operational efficiency and capacity on one of the country’s busiest rail corridors.

The modernisation is expected to support higher freight volumes, facilitate the operation of Vande Bharat Express trains and strengthen the railway network along the strategically important Highly Utilised Network (HUN) Route-9.

Key Highlights

• Indian Railways sanctions ₹163 crore for traction system upgradation.
• Existing 1×25 kV system to be upgraded to 2×25 kV.
• Project covers 164 Track Kilometres on the Parbhani–Mudkhed section.
• Includes associated power supply infrastructure enhancements.
• Section forms part of the Highly Utilised Network (HUN) Route-9.
• Upgrade will support Vande Bharat Express operations.
• Higher freight handling capacity to contribute to Railways’ 3,000 Million Tonnes freight loading target by 2029-30.
• Aims to improve operational efficiency on a key South Central Railway corridor.

Modernising a High-Density Rail Corridor

The approved project involves strengthening the electric traction infrastructure by converting the existing 1×25 kV electrification system into a more efficient 2×25 kV traction system, accompanied by upgraded power supply installations capable of handling increased electrical demand.

The Parbhani–Mudkhed section is part of HUN Route-9, a critical freight and passenger corridor connecting:

• Ajmer
• Indore
• Khandwa
• Akola
• Purna
• Mudkhed
• Secunderabad
• Mahbubnagar
• Dhone

The upgrade is expected to enhance reliability and ensure smoother train operations across this important rail network.

Supporting Faster Passenger and Freight Movement

With stronger traction power, the corridor will be better equipped to accommodate:

• Increased freight traffic
• Higher axle-load operations
• Faster passenger train services
• Future and existing Vande Bharat Express operations

The project also aligns with Indian Railways’ broader infrastructure modernisation programme aimed at improving efficiency across high-density routes while supporting the national freight growth target of 3,000 Million Tonnes by 2029-30.

Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Impact

Although primarily an infrastructure project, the traction upgrade is expected to benefit India’s travel and hospitality ecosystem over the long term.

Improved Rail Connectivity

Enhanced railway infrastructure can improve service reliability and enable faster premium train operations, making rail travel more attractive for both leisure and business travellers.

Tourism Growth

Better connectivity across Maharashtra, Telangana and adjoining regions can encourage domestic tourism by reducing travel time and improving access to heritage, pilgrimage and cultural destinations.

Hotels & Hospitality

Improved passenger movement often stimulates demand for hotels, restaurants and tourism services near railway hubs and destinations served by upgraded rail corridors.

Business & MICE Travel

Reliable high-speed rail services, including Vande Bharat trains, support business travel and regional economic activity, creating opportunities for hotels, convention venues and travel service providers.

Why It Matters

The ₹163 crore traction upgrade reflects Indian Railways’ continued investment in modernising critical transport infrastructure. By increasing freight capacity while enabling faster passenger services, the project supports economic growth, regional connectivity and sustainable mobility. For the hospitality and tourism industry, stronger rail infrastructure plays a vital role in enhancing destination accessibility, driving visitor arrivals and supporting tourism-led development across connected regions.