HBL Engineering Limited has received a contract worth Rs. 54.12 crore from West Central Railway for survey, design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of trackside KAVACH equipment across 166 km in the Kota Division. The order covers 18 stations, and aims to accelerate railway safety and operational efficiency.
Introduction:
HBL Engineering Limited has been awarded an order by West Central Railway for the implementation of KAVACH, India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, in the Kota Division. The contract showcases Indian Railways’ effort to enhance operational safety and reliability through advanced signaling and train protection technologies.
The project includes comprehensive survey, design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of trackside KAVACH equipment at stations and level crossing (LC) gates, along with the erection of towers and associated infrastructure works.
Scope of the Contract:
- Route length: 166 Route Kilometers (Rkm)
- Total stations: 18
- Sections covered: Kota–Ruthiyai section and Sogaria–Kota “C” Section
- Project Value: Rs. 54.12 crore (inclusive of 18% GST)
- Completion Timeline: 700 days
This large-scale undertaking positions HBL Engineering as a crucial partner in the rollout of KAVACH, which is designed to prevent signal passing at danger (SPAD), regulate train speed, and ensure safe operations under all conditions.
Importance of the Kota Division Project:
The Kota Division, part of West Central Railway, is a vital corridor with heavy passenger and freight traffic. Implementing KAVACH across its sections is expected to bring multiple benefits:
- Enhanced Train Safety: Prevention of collisions through automatic braking in case of human error.
- Operational Efficiency: Smoother train handling and better punctuality through real-time signaling coordination.
- Increased Reliability: Advanced communication between stations, level crossings, and locomotives.
- Boost to Make in India: Reinforcing the adoption of indigenously developed railway safety technologies.
About KAVACH:
KAVACH, developed under the Indian Railways’ Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system comparable to the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level-2 in functionality but built with cost-efficiency and local adaptability in mind.
It provides continuous communication between trackside equipment and locomotives, ensuring trains automatically stop or reduce speed when approaching danger signals or exceeding speed limits.
HBL Engineering’s Role:
HBL Engineering Limited has been at the forefront of providing advanced solutions in electronics, signaling, and railway safety systems. With this project, the company further reinforces its position as a trusted partner in the large-scale deployment of KAVACH across India’s railway network.
The company’s involvement in the Kota Division project highlights its technical expertise and its ability to deliver complex railway safety systems within demanding timelines.
Conclusion:
The recent contract awarded to HBL Engineering for deploying KAVACH in the Kota Division marks another step forward in Indian Railways’ modernization journey. By implementing indigenous safety technology across 166 km and 18 stations, the project will improve operational safety, reliability, and efficiency while aligning with the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” goal.
Source: HBL – Press Release | Image Credit (representational): Southern Railway
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