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Indian Railways Sanctions ₹163 Crore Traction Upgrade for Parbhani-Mudkhed Section

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On 28 July 2026, Indian Railways approved a ₹163 crore project for upgrading the electric traction system on the Parbhani-Mudkhed double line section under the Nanded Division of South Central Railway. The existing 1×25 kV system will be converted to a 2×25 kV system to support increased freight and passenger traffic on this 164 km corridor, part of the Highly Utilised Network Route-9 connecting major points like Ajmer, Indore, Secunderabad, and Dhone. This upgrade emphasizes Indian Railways' push towards modernizing infrastructure on busy routes and enhancing power transmission efficiency.

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Key Facts

  • Approval Date: 28 July 2026
  • Project Cost: ₹163 crore
  • Location: Parbhani-Mudkhed double line section, Nanded Division, South Central Railway zone
  • Track Length: 164 track kilometres
  • Upgrade: Conversion from existing 1×25 kV electric traction system to 2×25 kV system
  • The Parbhani-Mudkhed section lies on Highly Utilised Network Route-9, connecting railway points Ajmer, Indore, Secunderabad, and Dhone

Background & Context

Electric traction in Indian Railways involves powering trains through overhead equipment and substations. The existing 1×25 kV single-phase system is standard but has limitations on long, high-density corridors. The upgrade to a 2×25 kV system involves a higher voltage arrangement, facilitating improved power transmission over long distances and supporting heavier train loads and higher traffic density on busy double-line sections. This technical enhancement enables Indian Railways to handle increased freight and passenger volumes effectively.

South Central Railway, under which the Parbhani-Mudkhed section falls, is one of the 18 railway zones in India and manages critical routes for both freight and passenger services. The Parbhani-Mudkhed section's inclusion in Highly Utilised Network Route-9 underscores its strategic importance for the movement of goods and people in this region.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This project illustrates Indian Railways' ongoing commitment to infrastructure modernization, electrification, and capacity enhancement—key themes for current affairs in competitive examinations. The technical shift from 1×25 kV to 2×25 kV electrical traction, project costs, dates, and strategic railway zones are common factual details that can be tested. Additionally, understanding the significance of major corridors like Highly Utilised Network Routes aids in regional connectivity questions.

Points to Remember

  • Indian Railways was established in 1853 and is among the largest rail networks globally by route length.
  • South Central Railway is one of the 18 zones under Indian Railways.
  • Parbhani-Mudkhed section covers 164 km and lies in Nanded Division of South Central Railway.
  • The upgrade converts the electric traction system from 1×25 kV to 2×25 kV to handle higher traffic and freight volumes.
  • Highly Utilised Network Route-9 connects major railway points: Ajmer, Indore, Secunderabad, and Dhone.
  • Indian Railways targets freight loading of 3000 million tonnes by 2029-30, driving infrastructure upgrades.
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