Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has won two major railway contracts, one for Kavach implementation over 790 RKM in South Western Railway (Rs. 355.43 crore) and another for upgrading electric traction from 1×25 kV to 2×25 kV on the Kharagpur-Tatanagar section (Rs. 210.78 crore). These projects will enhance rail safety and efficiency.
Kavach Implementation for South Western Railway:
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, in a joint venture (RVNL: 51%, GEW: 49%), has secured a contract worth Rs. 355,43,06,679.42/- crore to implement the Kavach Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) over 790 route kilometers in the Hubballi and Mysuru divisions of South Western Railway.
- Survey & Planning: Conducting site assessments using advanced technology like drones to map railway tracks, signal systems, and communication networks.
- System Integration: Ensuring compatibility with existing railway systems such as Electronic Interlocking (EI), Route Relay Interlocking (RRI), and Level Crossing systems.
- RF Coverage & Communication: Studying radio frequency propagation to determine optimal tower locations for seamless communication.
- Safety Compliance: Adhering to the latest RDSO standards (RDSO/SPN/196/2020 Version 4) to enhance railway safety and operational efficiency.
The contract is expected to be completed in 18 months and will significantly improve railway safety by reducing collision risks and operational disruptions.
Upgradation of Electric Traction from 1×25 kV to 2×25 kV:
RVNL has also secured a Rs. 210,78,31,572.19/- crore contract for upgrading the electric traction system on the Kharagpur-Tatanagar section (135 RKM / 405 TKM) in the South Eastern Railway zone to meet the increasing freight demand of 3000 MT.
- Upgrading Existing OHE: Modifying the current 25 kV Overhead Electrification (OHE) system to 2×25 kV to enhance energy efficiency and load capacity.
- Project Management: Establishing an office at Kolkata for planning and execution, with experienced engineers managing depot operations.
- Manpower Deployment: Deploying skilled engineers and technicians with prior experience in OHE and railway electrification projects.
The 24-month project will support higher freight loading capacity, reduce congestion, and enhance railway infrastructure.
Conclusion:
With these two significant contracts, RVNL continues to reinforce its position in India’s railway modernization. The Kavach system will bolster safety and prevent accidents, while the traction system upgrade will improve freight efficiency. These projects align with Indian Railways’ vision of enhancing rail infrastructure, making train operations safer, faster, and more efficient.
Source: RVNL – Press Release | Image Credit (representational): MoR
