Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has won its first order for Kavach systems from the South Western Railway. The work includes designing, developing, implementing, trials and commissioning of the Kavach systems in both tracksides and locomotives. The Rs. 22.87 crore contract spans across 36 Km stretch of the South Western Railway. This is a crucial opportunity for the BHEL to make an impact in the signalling and safety technology domain.
Introduction:
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has achieved a significant milestone by entering the railway safety signalling sector with its first order for the indigenous Kavach Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. Indian Railways’ South Western Railway zone chose the company for its vital order and showcases the trust they have in the manufacturing capabilities of BHEL.
Contract Overview:
The order is valued at Rs. 22.87 crore and includes the design, development, supply, installation, trial, and commissioning of both onboard and trackside Kavach equipment. The project scope spans:
- Onboard Kavach systems to be fitted in locomotives.
- Trackside equipment at stations, level crossings (LC), intermediate block signals (IB), and automatic block signals (ABS).
- Associated works to ensure seamless integration across infrastructure.
The implementation will cover a 36 km section of South Western Railway in Bangalore, with an execution period of 18 months. All equipment will be manufactured at BHEL’s state-of-the-art facility in Bangalore.
About Kavach System:
Kavach is India’s indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, designed to:
- Prevent train collisions.
- Enhance safety at crossings and stations.
- Improve operational efficiency of the railway network.
- Provide fail-safe signalling and communication to ensure passenger and asset safety.
The system has been prioritized by the Indian government as part of its railway modernization and safety initiatives.
BHEL’s Railway Legacy:
BHEL has been a trusted partner of Indian Railways for decades, with proven capabilities in:
- Manufacturing locomotives and distributed power trains.
- Supplying traction motors, alternators, transformers, and propulsion systems.
- Developing advanced rolling stock solutions for passenger and freight applications.
Notably, BHEL is leading a consortium to deliver 80 Vande Bharat trains, including maintenance, depot upgrades, and facility management.
This new order in the Kavach segment builds on BHEL’s engineering strength and reflects its ability to diversify into high-technology railway signalling solutions.
Strategic Importance:
- Diversification: Marks BHEL’s expansion into signalling and safety beyond rolling stock and traction.
- National Priorities: Aligns with Indian Railways’ target to deploy Kavach across thousands of kilometers in the coming years.
- Indigenization: Strengthens the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision by developing safety technologies within India.
Conclusion:
BHEL’s Rs. 22.87 crore first order for Kavach equipment is a crucial step in its railway journey, strengthening its engineering legacy and diversifying into signalling and safety. This project not only supports Indian Railways’ modernization drive but also showcases India’s growing self-reliance in advanced railway technologies.
Source: BHEL – Press Release | Image Credit: BHEL
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