Tender worth ₹2,700 crore floated for Kavach Protection in Indian Railways across 12 states

Major Tendering Initiative

The latest set of tenders includes 18 projects aimed at installing Kavach systems across a sprawling 5,000 kilometers of railway track. These tenders span 12 states including Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Jharkhand. Each tender focuses on installing Kavach systems, which are designed to prevent train accidents and ensure passenger safety through advanced train collision avoidance technology.

A senior government official stated, “Tenders for installing Kavach systems across 5,000 kilometers were floated in August and are expected to be awarded by the end of October. The installation work is projected to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months.”

Additional Tendering Plans

Indian Railways is also preparing for further expansions of the Kavach system. Preparatory work is already underway for an additional 6,000 kilometers of track, which includes surveys, detailed project reports, and cost estimations. The next batch of Kavach tenders is anticipated to be released by January 2025, reflecting the ongoing commitment to railway safety and technological advancement.

Infrastructure and Equipment Tenders

In addition to the main installation tenders, Indian Railways has issued two separate tenders related to Kavach infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. These tenders are focused on supporting the broader Kavach implementation strategy.

Moreover, a dedicated tender worth Rs 25 crore has been floated for equipping 30 train sets with Kavach systems at the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Punjab. This initiative underscores the commitment to integrating Kavach technology into the rolling stock to further enhance operational safety.

Cost Breakdown

The cost for trackside infrastructure, including station equipment, for the Kavach system is approximately Rs 50 lakh per kilometer. For equipping locomotives with the Kavach system, the cost is estimated at Rs 70 lakh per locomotive.

Opportunities for Vendors

This substantial investment in railway safety opens up significant opportunities for both existing and new vendors in the railway sector. With the awarding of these tenders, the railway industry anticipates increased participation from a wide range of suppliers and contractors, driving growth and innovation within the sector.

Indian Railways’ initiative to enhance its safety systems through the Kavach project marks a transformative step towards modernizing railway infrastructure and improving passenger safety. The ongoing and future tendering processes highlight a strategic focus on advancing railway safety and operational efficiency, positioning Indian Railways at the forefront of technological development in the global railway sector.