DFCCIL has assigned a substantial Kavach contract to Kernex Microsystems Limited, a step towards accelerating the safety of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor. The contract worth Rs. 209.82 crore involves survey, design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of Kavach (Train Collision Avoidance System) and towers and other associated works across 931 km of the Eastern DFC. This project aligns perfectly with India’s vision of implementing railway safety and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” development.
Introduction:
In a significant move towards advancing railway safety and efficiency, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), New Delhi, has awarded a contract to Kernex Microsystems (India) Limited (Consortium). The Rs. 209.82 crore contract includes the deployment of India’s indigenous Train Collision Avoidance System, Kavach, along with supporting towers and associated works.
Scope of the Project:
The awarded contract covers the Survey, Design, Supply, Installation, Testing, and Commissioning of Kavach and related systems on the 931 km stretch of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC). The corridor section spans New Boraki–New Khurja In–New Bhaupur–New Unchdih–New Sonnagar, one of the busiest freight routes of the Indian Railways network.
The implementation will include:
- Laying of infrastructure for Double Line Automatic Signalling Section.
- Establishment of communication towers and support systems.
- Full deployment of Kavach technology for real-time collision avoidance and operational safety.
The execution period for the project has been fixed at 730 days (two years), marking a fast-track timeline for safety modernization.
Importance of Kavach Deployment:
Kavach, India’s indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System, is designed to prevent train accidents by ensuring automatic braking and communication between locomotives and signaling systems. Its deployment on critical freight corridors will:
- Enhance safety standards by preventing head-on and rear-end collisions.
- Increase operational efficiency, enabling trains to run at higher frequencies with reduced risks.
- Boost technological self-reliance under the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Support freight movement reliability, vital for industrial supply chains and economic growth.
Economic & Industry Impact:
This Rs. 209.82 crore contract is not only a boost for Kernex Microsystems but also a milestone for India’s railway technology sector. The project will open opportunities for domestic manufacturers, component suppliers, and service providers, fostering industrial growth.
Key anticipated impacts include:
- Expansion of the indigenous railway safety technology market.
- Strengthening India’s credentials as a global leader in freight corridor operations.
- Accelerating the modernization of Indian Railways, aligning with global safety and operational benchmarks.
Alignment with National Vision:
The project aligns with the government’s ambitious infrastructure push and its focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability. With freight traffic projected to rise sharply in the coming decade, the Eastern DFC equipped with Kavach will play a pivotal role in reducing delays, minimizing accidents, and ensuring smooth cargo movement across the region.
Conclusion:
The DFCCIL’s awarded contract to Kernex Microsystems highlights the country’s continuous effort in including safety technology that are indigenous. The project is going to transform the rail infrastructure in the Eastern DFC .By enhancing safety, efficiency, and reliability, this initiative reinforces India’s position among the world’s most progressive railway networks while contributing to the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Source: Kernex – Press Release | Image Credit (representational): MoR
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