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Railways Launches ₹398 Cr Optical Fibre Project to Boost Network & Safety

Indian Railways has sanctioned a ₹398.36 crore project to deploy a 4x48 Optical Fibre Cable backbone across its Ahmedabad and Ratlam Divisions in Western Railway. The work will cover 1,929 route kilometres to strengthen the communication infrastructure. This enhanced backbone is critical for supporting modern signalling systems like Kavach and Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks. The project is a key step in the railways' digital transformation, aiming to improve operational safety, efficiency, and service delivery.

Key Points: Indian Railways Approves ₹398 Cr Optical Fibre Cable Project

  • ₹398.36 crore project approved
  • 4x48 Optical Fibre Cable backbone
  • Covers Ahmedabad & Ratlam Divisions
  • Supports Kavach & LTE systems
2 min read

Railways approves Rs 398 cr Optical Fibre Project to boost communication network

Indian Railways sanctions ₹398.36 crore project to lay 4x48 OFC backbone in Western Railway, enhancing communication for Kavach and LTE systems.

"significant augmentation of the communication backbone will enhance the capacity, reliability, and efficiency - Railways Statement"

New Delhi, April 5

Indian Railways has sanctioned an important project for strengthening its communication infrastructure in Western Railway with the approval of the provision of 4x48 Optical Fibre Cable Backbone in Ahmedabad and Ratlam Divisions at a total cost of Rs. 398.36 crore.

The project has been approved under the umbrella work titled "Provision of Kavach with communication backbone of Long Term Evolution (LTE) on balance routes of Indian Railways (Umbrella Work 2024-25)", which has an overall sanctioned cost of Rs. 27,693 crore under Works Programme 2024-25 (PH-33). A sub-umbrella work for Western Railway has also been approved at a cost of Rs. 2,800 crore, under which this project has been taken up.

As part of the approved work, 2x48 fibre OFC cables will be provided over 1929 Route Kilometres (RKm) across Western Railway. This includes:1456 RKm in Ahmedabad Division and 473 RKm in Ratlam Division.

This significant augmentation of the communication backbone will enhance the capacity, reliability, and efficiency of railway communication systems. It will also support modern signalling systems, including the implementation of Kavach, enabling seamless data transmission across the network.

This initiative marks another step towards modernisation, safety enhancement and digital transformation of Indian Railways, ensuring improved operational efficiency and better service delivery for passengers and freight operations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Investing nearly 400 crores in optical fibre is a forward-thinking move. It's the digital artery for modern railways. This should lead to fewer signal failures and more accurate train tracking. Good step for operational efficiency.
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Vikram M
While the project sounds good on paper, I hope the funds are used judiciously. We've seen cost overruns in infrastructure projects before. The focus should be on quality implementation, not just sanctioning amounts. The proof will be in the pudding—reliable connectivity for passengers.
P
Priya S
As someone who travels frequently on the Ahmedabad route, better communication means fewer unexplained delays and better announcements. Hope this also translates to stable WiFi on trains soon! 🤞 A step towards a digital and safer rail network.
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Rohit P
The umbrella cost of over 27,000 crores is massive. This specific project for WR is a small but critical part. Kavach needs robust data transmission to function. This is an investment in saving lives. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
Good to see focus on Ratlam division too, not just the major hubs. Regional connectivity is key for balanced development. This infrastructure will benefit freight movement immensely, boosting the economy of the region.

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