Indian Government Approves Rs 765 Crore for Railways Modernization Projects
Synopsis
The Indian government has approved a substantial investment of Rs 765 crore to modernize railway systems, enhance operations, and boost capacity. This initiative is set to revolutionize the rail transport sector, making it more efficient and reliable.
Key Takeaways
The government has sanctioned Rs 765 crore for railway modernization.
Projects include upgrades to electric traction systems on key corridors.
The optical fibre communication backbone will be enhanced.
The Kavach system will be implemented for improved safety.
These upgrades aim to boost operational efficiency and passenger services.
New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) In a significant move to enhance the infrastructure and technology of Indian Railways, the government announced on Tuesday its approval for various modernization projects totaling Rs 765 crore. These initiatives aim to boost operational efficiency, increase line capacity, and modernize communication systems across vital segments of the rail network.
The Railways Ministry reported that the sanctioned projects encompass the upgrade of electric traction systems on two major freight and passenger corridors, as well as the enhancement of the optical fibre communication backbone in the Vadodara and Mumbai Central divisions of Western Railway.
Additionally, the government has allocated Rs 318.07 crore specifically for the enhancement of the electric traction system along the 106-km Duvvada–Visakhapatnam–Vizianagaram section of East Coast Railway.
“This section will transition from the current 1×25 kV system to a more advanced 2×25 kV system, which will facilitate higher freight loading, increased speed potential, and greater reliability on this heavily trafficked corridor,” stated the ministry.
Moreover, the ministry has given the green light to an additional Rs 259.39 crore project to modernize the electric traction system on the 126-km Raichur–Guntakal section, which traverses Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, under the Guntakal division of South Central Railway.
This section will also see an upgrade from the current 1×25 kV system to a 2×25 kV system, enhancing operations on the Mumbai–Chennai corridor and improving freight movement and passenger services, including the operation of modern trains like the Vande Bharat Express.
Furthermore, Rs 187.88 crore has been sanctioned for bolstering the communication backbone in the Vadodara and Mumbai Central divisions of Western Railway. This project entails the installation of a 4×48 core optical fibre cable (OFC) backbone architecture.
Under this scheme, optical fibre cables will be installed over a distance of over 1,000 route kilometers, comprising 692 km in the Vadodara division and 308 km in the Mumbai division.
This upgraded communication network will support the rollout of the LTE-based Kavach system, India’s indigenous train collision avoidance technology, throughout the rail network.
Point of View
The government's investment in railway modernization is a pivotal step towards enhancing India's transport infrastructure. This initiative not only aims to improve operational efficiency but also reflects a commitment to adopting advanced technologies for better service delivery. A nation-first approach is crucial in ensuring that these upgrades benefit the public effectively.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total investment approved for the railway projects?
The government has approved an investment of Rs 765 crore for various railway modernization projects.
What are the key components of the approved projects?
The key components include upgrades to electric traction systems and enhancements to the optical fibre communication backbone across critical railway sections.
Which specific railway sections are being upgraded?
Upgrades include the Duvvada–Visakhapatnam–Vizianagaram section and the Raichur–Guntakal section, among others.
What is the purpose of the Kavach system?
The Kavach system is an indigenous train collision avoidance technology aimed at improving safety on the railway network.
How will these upgrades impact passenger services?
The upgrades are expected to facilitate smoother freight movement and faster passenger services, including modern train operations.
