Indian Railways has approved infrastructure projects worth ₹1,236 crore aimed at expanding the Kavach train safety system and strengthening its fibre-based communication network across multiple zones.
The approvals cover three major components, focusing on communication backbone upgrades and deployment of safety systems to enhance operational efficiency and accident prevention.
A significant portion ₹623.63 crore has been allocated to Central Railway to establish a dual-path communication network across its five divisions: Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Bhusawal, and Solapur. This includes installation of optical ground wire (OPGW) along traction lines and laying of underground optical fibre cables, ensuring redundancy so that communication remains uninterrupted even if one network fails.
In addition, ₹302.26 crore has been sanctioned to complete the fibre communication network in Rajkot and Bhavnagar divisions of Western Railway, covering over 1,600 km of track. This will fill existing gaps and create a continuous high-capacity communication backbone.
The remaining ₹310.18 crore will be used to deploy the Kavach 4.0 automatic train protection system across 548 km of high-density routes in Southern Railway, including sections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The system is designed to prevent collisions by automatically controlling train speed and applying brakes when required.
The upgraded fibre network will also support future digital railway applications and enable monetisation opportunities through leasing of surplus fibre capacity.
Overall, these projects are part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to modernise infrastructure, enhance safety through indigenous technologies like Kavach, and build a robust, technology-driven communication network to support future rail operations.