DELHI (Metro Rail News): Southern Railway has awarded a Rs 173 crore contract to the Kernex Microsystems-VRRC Consortium for the installation of Kavach across key railway routes in Chennai Division. The project will cover 271 km of track and strengthen train safety on some of the region’s busiest rail corridors. The contract covers the Chennai-Gudur, Chennai-Arakkonam, and Arakkonam-Renigunta sections. Southern Railway awarded the contract on 13 June 2026.
Contract Information
| Information | Details |
| Railway Zone | Southern Railway |
| Contractor | Kernex Microsystems-VRRC Consortium |
| Contract Value | Rs 173.11 crore |
| Contract Date | 13 June 2026 |
| Contract Period | 730 Days |
| Route Length | 271 km |
| Status | Accepted (L1 Bidder) |
Scope of Work
The consortium will install Kavach on 271 km of railway routes in Chennai Division. The contractor will supply, install, test, and commission the Kavach system across the network. The project aims to improve train safety and reduce the risk of collisions. The consortium will complete the contract within 730 days.
About the Project
Kavach is India’s indigenous train collision avoidance system. It is developed to improve railway safety. The technology automatically applies brakes if a train crosses a signal at danger or exceeds the permitted speed. It will also help prevent collisions between trains as well. The Chennai-Gudur, Chennai-Arakkonam, and Arakkonam-Renigunta routes handle a large number of passenger and freight trains every day. Once Kavach becomes operational on those sections, It will add an extra layer of safety and support Indian Railway’s plan to expand the systems across the major routes in the country.
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