In a major development, the approval for the implementation of the Kavach system across the South Western Railway (SWR) network has been granted, encompassing a total of 3,692 route km (RKM).
Mukul Saran Mathur, the General Manager of SWR, stated that the implementation will occur in two phases. Phase I will address 1,568 RKM, with a projected cost of Rs 628.63 crore, while Phase 2 will encompass the remaining 2,124 RKM.
The term “Kavach” refers to a collision-avoidance system designed to prevent both head-on and rear-end train collisions. This system automatically engages the brakes if the locomotive pilot bypasses speed regulations or fails to react on time to avoid passing a signal at danger.
The detailed estimate for Phase I was sanctioned in November 2024. The survey, design, supply, and installation of towers were awarded in February 2025 to IRP Infra Tech Private Limited, based in Guntur, for an amount of Rs 63.27 crore, with completion anticipated in August 2026.
Phase 1 will cover the installation of Kavach on 790 RKM in the Hubballi and Mysuru divisions. The contract, awarded in June 2025 to the RVNL-GEW joint venture for Rs 261.88 crore, includes the sections of Hubballi-Ballari, Haveri-Hubballi-Londa, Londa-Miraj, and Haveri-Arsikere.
Additionally, a contract for the installation of Kavach on 778 RKM in the Bengaluru and Mysuru divisions was awarded in May 2025 to IRCON International Ltd for Rs 253.56 crore. This installation will cover the sections of Arsikere-Yeshwantpur, Baiyappanahalli-Dharmavaram, Bengaluru-Jolarpettai, Bengaluru-Mysuru, and Bengaluru-Yeshwantpur-Dharmapuri, as explained by Mathur.
Furthermore, Detailed estimates for the installation of Kavach for 456 RKM in the Bengaluru division, amounting to Rs 270.70 crore, have also been sanctioned under Phase 2 . This will cover the sections of Penukonda-Dharmavaram, Omlur-Dharmapuri, Yelahanka-Bangarapet, and other sections.
Mathur mentioned that for the remaining portions – 862 RKM in Hubballi division (Rs 459.41 crore) and 806 RKM in Mysuru division (Rs 436.39 crore) detailed estimates are under accounts vetting, as reported by Deccan Herald.
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