Dikhyaa Mohanty 
With the installation of the 2X25 KV Overhead Electrification (OHE) System throughout a number of significant railway segments under its control, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) plans to improve its electrification infrastructure. The goal of this action is to boost the movement of highly laden freight trains, improve voltage control, and enable smoother operations for semi-high-speed trains. The current 1X25 KV OHE system will be replaced with the more reliable 2X25 KV system in order to facilitate the introduction of high-speed trains and meet the Railway Board’s goal of reaching 3000 MT loading capacity. In order to handle the increased load demands and guarantee that the network maintains a suitable voltage level, this update is essential.
The 2X25 KV system feeds the train at 25 KV and distributes the electricity along the line at a higher level (50 KV). This is accomplished by employing 50 KV transformers to feed power from Traction Sub-stations (TSS), with intermediate autotransformers delivering 25 KV power to the rolling stock. This arrangement, which runs from the TSS to the furthest end of the sectioning and paralleling posts (SP), guarantees better voltage control. The improved system can handle the increasing traction load in addition to offering improved voltage stability, guaranteeing the seamless operation of large freight and semi-high-speed passenger trains.
As part of this initiative, ECoR has planned to convert the existing 1X25 KV OHE system to the 2X25 KV system in the following railway sections:
- Bhadrak-Khurda Road
- Palasa-Vizianagaram
- Cuttack-Paradeep
- Cuttack-Talcher-Angul
- Vizianagaram-Rayagada
The 2X25 KV system upgrade work is being carried out by the Construction Organization of ECoR. Tenders for the execution of the system in the Cuttack-Paradeep and Cuttack-Talcher sections have already been invited, with the tender opening scheduled for December 2024. The project is expected to be completed by March 2027.
This upgrade is also aligned with ECoR’s commitment to sustainability and green energy. The transition to the 2X25 KV Overhead Electrification system will contribute to reducing the railway network’s dependence on fossil fuels by promoting electric-powered trains. This move will further enhance energy efficiency, as electric traction is more environmentally friendly compared to diesel, reducing emissions and carbon footprints. As part of India’s broader strategy to promote cleaner energy and reduce pollution, this initiative will not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute to the country’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the transportation sector by 2030.
This significant infrastructure enhancement is expected to play a crucial role in boosting both passenger and freight operations across the Railway network, ensuring the East Coast Railway remains at the forefront of railway electrification and operational efficiency in India.
East Coast Railway (ECoR) is one of the 17 zones of Indian Railways, responsible for serving the major parts of Odisha, North Andhra Pradesh and parts of Chhattisgarh. ECoR is dedicated to providing efficient rail transport services to passengers and freight, with an ongoing focus on modernizing infrastructure to enhance performance, capacity, and safety.
