In a significant move to strengthen railway infrastructure on one of Karnataka’s busiest rail corridors, Indian Railways has sanctioned a ₹162.57 crore project to upgrade the electric traction system on the Bengaluru–Tumakuru section of South Western Railway.
The project will convert the existing 1×25 kV electric traction system into a more advanced 2×25 kV electric traction system over a stretch of 120 Track Kilometres (TKM). The upgrade is expected to substantially improve power supply reliability and enhance the section’s capacity to handle growing passenger and freight traffic.
The Bengaluru–Tumakuru route forms a vital part of the Highly Utilized Network (HUN) Route-10, a strategic railway corridor connecting major economic centres along the Pune– Belagavi– Hubballi– Chikjajur– Birur– Tumakuru– Bengaluru– Salem– Kanniyakumari axis.
Railway officials said the adoption of the 2×25 kV traction system will enable the operation of heavier freight trains, longer passenger trains, and higher traffic volumes with greater operational reliability. The upgraded electrical infrastructure will also reduce congestion and improve overall network performance on this high-density route.
The project aligns with Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to modernise its infrastructure, increase carrying capacity, and support economic growth across the region. Once completed, the upgrade is expected to strengthen connectivity between Belagavi, Hubballi, Bengaluru, and other major cities, benefiting both passengers and freight customers across Karnataka and southern India.
The investment marks another important step in enhancing the rail corridor that connects Belagavi and North Karnataka with the state’s capital and key markets across the country.
