Railway safety boost: Indian Railways approves ₹1,364 crore plan for Kavach 4.0 and signaling upgrades
The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned projects worth ₹1,364.45 crore to enhance safety and communication infrastructure across the network. Announced on April 6, 2026, this plan focuses on installing the indigenous Kavach 4.0 system and upgrading optical fiber networks. These measures aim to modernize train operations and ensure higher reliability in various railway zones.
Details of Kavach 4.0 and station signaling upgrades
Southern Railway will install Kavach 4.0 onboard equipment in 232 locomotives at a cost of ₹208.81 crore. This technology helps loco pilots maintain speed limits and automatically applies brakes if necessary. In South Central Railway, 49 stations will get electronic interlocking systems with an investment of ₹578.02 crore. These changes are designed to make train movements safer and reduce the chances of human error during signaling.
Fiber network expansion across Northern and North Central Railway
A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to improving the communication backbone through Optical Fiber Cables. Northern Railway will upgrade its network over 3,200 kilometers, covering major divisions like Delhi and Lucknow. North Central Railway will also add 2,196 kilometers of fiber network. The following table shows the distribution of funds for major projects.
| Railway Zone | Project Type | Cost (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Railway | Kavach 4.0 Installation | ₹208.81 Crore |
| Northern Railway | OFC Network Upgrade | ₹400.86 Crore |
| South Central Railway | Electronic Interlocking | ₹578.02 Crore |
| North Central Railway | OFC Network Expansion | ₹176.76 Crore |