Indian Railways is working to speed up train travel on the New Delhi and Mumbai rail route under Mission Raftaar, with the corridor being upgraded to support train speeds of up to 160 kmph. The project aims to bring the journey time between the two cities closer to 12 hours. Several infrastructure upgrades are underway as part of the project, covering traction, overhead equipment, signalling, yards and other systems needed for higher-speed operations. Read on to know more.
Delhi-Mumbai Train Journey Under 12-Hr Under Mission Raftaar
According to reports by The Indress Express, Dr Shivam Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), North Central Railway, told the portal about a key development that took place on September 7 with the charging of the new 2×25 kV Chhata Traction Substation (TSS) in the Agra Division. The work is part of the upgrade of the 84-km Palwal-Mathura section, which covers around 336 track kilometres on the New Delhi-Mumbai route.
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What is changing on the route?
The Palwal-Mathura section is being upgraded through coordinated work across several railway departments. This includes:
- Overhead Equipment (OHE) modifications
- Installation of Super Masts and Auxiliary Earth Conductors (AEC)
- Traction and power supply upgrades
- Signalling and telecommunications work
- Yard remodelling
- Civil and mechanical works required for higher-speed operations
Work is also progressing on the Mathura-Bhuteshwar section, with AEC work, mast erection and station-area commissioning underway.
Power Upgrades And SCADA
The newly charged Chhata TSS will strengthen the power supply system for the upgraded section. Other installations at Kosikalan, Mathura and Sholaka have already been charged, while additional facilities are scheduled for testing or commissioning through September and October.
The project will also introduce SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) for centralised monitoring of the traction power network. Once operational, the system will allow railway authorities to remotely monitor and control the power supply from the Agra control hub.
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Yard remodelling at Mathura and Bhuteshwar is another key part of the project, including a new UP line and fourth line.
According to the CPRO, key works are targeted for completion by September 30, 2026. After completing the infrastructure upgrades, Railways will move the section towards high-speed trials, bringing New Delhi-Mumbai train travel closer to becoming faster.
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FAQs
Is there a direct train from Delhi to Mumbai?
Yes, you can book direct train options on the MakeMyTrip Delhi to Mumbai Trains portal.
Does Vande Bharat go from Delhi to Mumbai?
There is no direct, dedicated end-to-end Vande Bharat chair car service connecting Delhi and Mumbai directly yet, though Vande Bharat sleeper and special services are expanding.
What is the railway route between Delhi and Mumbai?
The primary railway route between Delhi and Mumbai is the New Delhi–Mumbai Main Line, covering a distance of about 1,384 to 1,421 kilometers.
