New Delhi: The Indian Railways has approved a series of infrastructure and safety enhancement projects worth ₹1,364.45 crore, aimed at accelerating the rollout of advanced train protection systems, modern signalling, and robust communication networks across multiple zones.

Kavach rollout to gain momentum

A key component of the approved works is the installation of Kavach Version 4.0 — India’s indigenous train collision avoidance system — on 232 locomotives under the Southern Railway. The project, sanctioned at ₹208.81 crore, forms part of a broader nationwide push to deploy Kavach across high-density routes. The system is designed to automatically apply brakes in case of potential collisions, thereby significantly improving operational safety.

Major communication backbone upgrade in Northern Railway

To support modern signalling systems and Kavach deployment, Indian Railways has cleared projects worth ₹400.86 crore to strengthen the optical fibre communication (OFC) network in Northern Railway. The works include laying 2×48 fibre cables across more than 3,200 route kilometres spanning Ambala, Delhi, and Lucknow divisions. These upgrades are expected to ensure seamless, high-capacity data transmission critical for real-time train operations.

OFC expansion in North Central Railway

In North Central Railway, an investment of ₹176.76 crore has been approved for deploying a 2×48 fibre OFC network over 2,196 route kilometres. The project will cover key sections in Prayagraj, Jhansi, and Agra divisions, enhancing communication reliability and enabling efficient Kavach implementation on busy corridors.

Electronic interlocking to replace manual systems

Further strengthening signalling infrastructure, Indian Railways has sanctioned ₹578.02 crore for introducing electronic interlocking systems at 49 stations in South Central Railway. The upgrade — covering Guntakal and Nanded divisions — will replace older panel interlocking systems, reducing manual intervention and enhancing operational safety on high-density and highly utilised routes.

Focus on safety and efficiency

The sanctioned projects fall under the Railways’ umbrella programmes for 2024–25 and are aligned with its long-term strategy to modernise core infrastructure. By integrating Kavach technology, upgrading communication backbones, and automating signalling systems, the national transporter aims to boost reliability, minimise human error, and ensure safer train operations across its expanding network.

Officials said these interventions will play a crucial role in improving capacity utilisation while maintaining stringent safety standards on some of the country’s busiest rail corridors. DeshBharat