West Central Railway, Bhopal Division, has awarded a significant contract to the KERNEX–KEC consortium for implementing Kavach, India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. The project worth Rs. 151.41 crore covers sections between Itarsi–Khandwa and Bina–Ruthiyai, and will boost safety and operational efficiency.
Introduction:
The West Central Railway (WCR), Bhopal Division, has taken a significant step towards reinforcing railway safety by awarding a vital contract worth Rs. 151.41 crore to the KERNEX–KEC Consortium. The project focuses on the provision of Kavach, India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, to enhance operational efficiency and reduce human error.
Scope of the Project:
The awarded work involves the installation of Kavach on UHF backbone along with Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) with route diversity. The coverage will span across:
- Itarsi (Excluding) – Khandwa (Excluding)
- Bina (Excluding) – Ruthiyai,
including other associated sections within the Bhopal Division of West Central Railway.
The contract execution period is 600 days from the issuance of the Letter of Acceptance (LoA), reflecting the urgency of Indian Railways’ mission to accelerate safety-centric modernization.
About Kavach:
Kavach, meaning “shield” in Hindi, is India’s advanced Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) developed domestically under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It is designed to:
- Prevent train collisions by automatically controlling train speed.
- Provide real-time monitoring and fail-safe safety mechanisms.
- Reduce reliance on human judgment during critical operations.
- Ensure compliance with speed restrictions and signal adherence.
The system plays a pivotal role in enhancing passenger safety, reducing accidents, and boosting the reliability of India’s expanding railway network.
Strategic Significance:
This contract forms part of Indian Railways’ larger mission to bring state-of-the-art safety solutions to its operational backbone. The rollout in Bhopal Division further consolidates WCR’s reputation for prioritizing safety and adopting cutting-edge railway technologies.
Key Highlights of the Contract:
- Awarding Authority: West Central Railway, Bhopal Division
- Consortium Partner: KERNEX–KEC
- Contract Cost: Rs. 151.41 crore
- Execution Period: 600 days
- Scope: Provision of Kavach (ATP system) on UHF backbone with OFC and route diversity
- Coverage: Itarsi–Khandwa, Bina–Ruthiyai, and associated sections
Industry Impact:
With the deployment of Kavach in critical routes, Indian Railways is positioning itself among the world’s most progressive rail systems prioritizing safety, technology, and efficiency. The project aligns seamlessly with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, strengthening India’s self-reliance in railway safety technology while creating new opportunities for domestic manufacturers and suppliers.
Conclusion:
The recent contract awarded to the KERNEX–KEC consortium highlights Indian Railways’ continuous effort in enhancing passenger safety. As Kavach expands across more zones, it will revolutionize operational reliability, minimize accidents, and reinforce India’s leadership in developing indigenous, world-class rail safety systems under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Source: Kernex – Press Release | Image Credit (representational): Southern Railway
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