Indian Railways is accelerating efforts to reduce travel time between Delhi and Mumbai, with infrastructure upgrades under Mission Raftaar aimed at enabling trains to operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph on the route.
The long-term objective is to bring the journey between the two major cities closer to 12 hours. Achieving this will require upgrades across several parts of the railway network, including traction power, overhead equipment, signalling, telecom systems and railway yards.
Palwal-Mathura Section Gets Major Upgrade
One of the latest developments has taken place in the Agra division, where a new 2×25 kV Chhata Traction Substation (TSS) was charged on September 7.
The facility is part of the work on the Palwal-Mathura section of the Delhi-Mumbai route. The section stretches across 84 route kilometres and approximately 336 track kilometres and is being prepared for higher-speed train operations.
The ongoing work includes upgrades to overhead equipment, installation of Super Masts and Auxiliary Earth Conductors (AEC), as well as improvements to the traction power system.
Railways is simultaneously undertaking signalling, telecommunications, civil and mechanical works and modifications at railway yards along the section.
Multiple Power Facilities Being Commissioned
The new Chhata TSS will support the upgraded section’s power requirements. Other facilities that have already been charged include Kosikalan SP, Mathura SP and Sholaka SSP.
Several more installations are at different stages of completion. Vrindavan SSP has reached the final testing phase, while Kotwan SSP is expected to undergo final testing by September 15.
The Hodal and Ajhai facilities are scheduled for commissioning during September, while the RDE TSS is targeted for completion by September 25.
The Rundhi TSS and its transmission line are expected to be connected to the power grid in October.
SCADA to Enable Remote Power Monitoring
As part of the wider modernisation programme, Railways is also implementing a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
The system will allow railway officials to remotely monitor and control the power supply network from the Agra control hub, improving oversight of the traction infrastructure.
Mathura-Bhuteshwar Infrastructure Also Being Upgraded
Work is also progressing on the Mathura-Bhuteshwar section, including the installation of AECs, erection of masts and station-related infrastructure.
The Mathura and Bhuteshwar railway yards are undergoing upgrades as well. The second phase includes construction of a new UP line and a fourth line, along with track connectivity and modifications at the Bhuteshwar yard.
According to North Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Dr Shivam Sharma, multiple railway departments are coordinating on the project.
The Railways has set September 30, 2026, as the target for completing the key works.
If the infrastructure upgrades progress as planned, the Delhi-Mumbai corridor could eventually support significantly faster train operations, potentially bringing the journey closer to the Railways’ targeted 12-hour timeframe.
