Indian Railways has approved projects worth ₹1,364.45 crore to strengthen safety systems, signalling infrastructure and communication networks across key railway zones, as part of its ongoing modernisation drive.
Kavach rollout in Southern Railway
The Railways has sanctioned ₹208.81 crore for installing Kavach Version 4.0, an indigenous train collision avoidance system, on 232 locomotives in Southern Railway. The project is part of a broader national programme aimed at enhancing train safety through advanced technology.
Communication backbone upgrade in Northern Railway
Projects worth ₹400.86 crore have been approved to upgrade the Optical Fibre Communication (OFC) network across more than 3,200 route kilometres in Northern Railway. This includes deployment of 2×48 fibre cables across Ambala, Delhi and Lucknow divisions to improve signalling reliability and support modern train control systems.
OFC expansion in North Central Railway
In North Central Railway, ₹176.76 crore has been sanctioned for laying 2×48 fibre OFC cables over 2,196 route kilometres. The project will play a key role in supporting Kavach deployment and strengthening communication infrastructure across high-density routes.
Electronic interlocking in South Central Railway
The Railways has also approved ₹578.02 crore for replacing outdated panel interlocking systems with advanced electronic interlocking at 49 stations in South Central Railway. This upgrade will reduce manual intervention and significantly enhance operational safety.
Focus on safer and smarter rail network
These projects are part of a larger push to modernise India’s rail network through improved safety systems, robust communication infrastructure, and technology-driven signalling solutions. The initiatives are expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce risks, and ensure safer train operations across high-density routes.
