Bhubaneswar, October 24: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has embarked on the expansion of its advanced electrification infrastructure with the introduction of the 2x25 KV Overhead Electrification (OHE) System across key sections of its network.

The ECoR has already commenced the upgradation from 1 X 25 KV to 2 X 25 KV OHE in several sections, including Bhadrak–Khurda Road, Palasa–Vizianagaram, Cuttack–Paradeep, Cuttack–Talcher–Angul, and Vizianagaram–Rayagada. These projects are targeted for completion in phases by 2027–28.

This strategic upgrade aims to improve voltage regulation, ensure smoother operations for semi-high-speed trains, facilitate the movement of heavily loaded freight trains, and maintain consistent voltage levels across the system.

Continuing this initiative, ECoR will take up the upgradation of the Khurda Road–Palasa double line section (covering 222 Route Kilometres) under Khurda Road Division at an estimated cost of Rs 468.38 crore to enhance traction capacity and operational efficiency on this vital route.

This section forms a vital part of the Kolkata–Chennai corridor of the Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) route of Indian Railways, handling both high-speed coaching trains and heavy freight movement. It also connects key industrial sidings such as Gopalpur Ports Limited and Indian Rare Earths Limited.

The implementation of the 2 X 25 KV traction system in this section will enhance operational efficiency, support faster and heavier train movement, and contribute significantly to environmental sustainability by promoting energy-efficient and cleaner train operations.

In line with the Railway Board’s vision to achieve 3,000 million tonnes of freight loading capacity and to support the introduction of high-speed trains like Vande Bharat Express, the existing 1 X 25 KV OHE system is being upgraded to the more efficient 2 X 25 KV system.

Under this advanced system, power is transmitted at 50 KV along the line and stepped down to 25 KV for feeding the trains. The system operates through Traction Sub-Stations (TSS) equipped with 50 KV transformers and intermediate autotransformers, which ensure balanced voltage and efficient energy distribution. This results in superior voltage regulation and increased capacity to handle higher traction loads—enabling the seamless movement of both high-speed passenger and heavy freight trains over longer distances.