KEC International Ltd. has contributed significantly to two prominent railway projects in Gujarat, inaugurated by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi. This consists of the complete electrification of the Sabarmati–Botad section and infrastructure development for the Rajkot–Veraval Vande Bharat route under Western railway, accelerating green mobility and regional economic connectivity in the state.
Introduction:
In a bold initiative to strengthen India’s railway modernization and sustainable infrastructure goals, KEC International Ltd., a global infrastructure EPC major, played a significant role in two landmark projects recently inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his Gujarat visit. The projects fall under the jurisdiction of Western Railway and are vital for enhancing regional connectivity, speed, and energy efficiency.
Sabarmati–Botad Electrification – Enabling 100% Electrification of Gujarat Railways:
One of the major milestones marked during the Prime Minister’s visit was the electrification of the Sabarmati–Botad railway section which cost nearly Rs. 333 crore, spanning approximately 200 kilometers.
Key Details:
- Project Type: Electrification
- Project Length: 200 km
- Executed Under: Package 1 & 2 (RE 403 & RE 404)
- Scope of Work: Complete railway electrification, including overhead equipment installation, traction sub-stations, and supporting civil and signaling infrastructure.
- Significance: This project led to 100% electrification of all railway routes in Gujarat, marking a historic step in the state’s journey toward green and sustainable mobility.
KEC International was entrusted with the execution of both packages, showcasing its engineering prowess, timely project delivery, and alignment with Indian Railways’ sustainability mission. The completion of electrification will not only reduce dependence on diesel-powered locomotives but also lower emissions and operational costs.
Benefits of the Project:
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Enhanced train speeds and reduced journey times
- Lower operational costs for Indian Railways
- Support for future deployment of semi-high-speed and high-speed trains
This project aligns with the Government of India’s Mission Electrification, aiming for complete electrification of broad-gauge routes by 2030. Gujarat becomes one of the first states to achieve full electrification, setting a precedent for others to follow.
Rajkot–Veraval Section – Paving the Way for Vande Bharat in Saurashtra:
The second milestone project was the upgradation and development of the Rajkot–Veraval section, a 200 km stretch designed to support operations of the prestigious Vande Bharat Express.
Key Details:
- Project Type: Rail infrastructure upgradation
- Project Length: 200 km
- Executed Under: EPC-12
- Scope of Work: Track strengthening, signaling and telecommunication enhancements, civil upgrades, and speed augmentation to accommodate high-speed trains
This section holds strategic importance as it enables seamless, faster connectivity between Rajkot and Veraval, a popular gateway to the pilgrimage city of Somnath. The improved rail corridor is expected to boost religious tourism, trade, and economic activity across the Saurashtra region.
KEC’s Role:
- Execution of project components under EPC-12
- Coordination with multiple rail departments
- Timely delivery enabling successful trial and commercial operations
By enabling Vande Bharat services on this stretch, KEC International has significantly contributed to enhancing regional mobility and ensuring the integration of advanced train systems with existing infrastructure.
Strategic Impact of the Projects:
These two projects underscore KEC’s commitment to nation-building and its capacity to deliver complex rail infrastructure projects under tight schedules. Both projects are emblematic of India’s transition to:
- Green transportation infrastructure
- High-speed connectivity across regions
- Modernized and reliable railway systems
Moreover, they reflect how public-private execution models, in conjunction with Indian Railways and EPC leaders like KEC International, are playing a central role in realising the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
About KEC International:
KEC International Ltd., part of the RPG Group, is a global infrastructure EPC major with a presence in over 100 countries. Its expertise spans transmission & distribution, railways, civil, smart infrastructure, cables, and solar. The company is one of the largest rail EPC contractors in India and has contributed to several electrification and signaling projects across the nation.
With its strong project management capabilities, engineering expertise, and commitment to timely delivery, KEC continues to support Indian Railways in achieving its modernization, sustainability, and mobility goals.
Conclusion:
With the successful execution of these two ambitious projects, KEC International reinforces its key role in transforming India’s railway landscape. From accomplishing full electrification in Gujarat to enabling high-speed Vande Bharat services, KEC exemplifies engineering excellence and commitment to building a more connected, sustainable, and future-ready India.
Source: KEC | Image Credit (representational): Southern Railway
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