Kernex-VRRC Wins Rs. 311 Crore Kavach Contract from Southern Railway
Hyderabad-based Kernex Microsystems, in a consortium with VRRC, has been awarded LoA for contracts collectively worth Rs. 311.03 crore by Southern Railway (SR) section of Indian railways to implement Kavach. Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.
Kernex Microsystems (India) Ltd. holds 60% stake in the Kernex-VRRC consortium.
Kavach System to Enhance Railway Safety Across Southern Railway’s Chennai Division
Southern Railway’s order to Kernex-VRRC consortium contract is divided into two segments, with the first segment valued at Rs.173.11 crore, focusing on deploying the Kavach system on high-traffic routes, including:
Chennai-Gudur (MAS-GDR)
Chennai-Arakonam (MAS-AJJ)
Arakonam-Renigunta (AJJ-RU)
The Kavach system is designed to significantly reduce the risk of train collisions, thereby enhancing safety for passengers and operators.
The second segment contract worth Rs. 137.92 crore, will cover the Arakonam-Jolarpettai (AJJ-JTJ) route of the Chennai Division of Southern Railway. Apart from Kavach system implementation, this phase of the project will also include the establishment of a robust communication network. The scope of work will include the construction of communication towers and the laying of 48-fiber Optical Fiber Cables, to ensure a secure and dedicated network for Kavach system.
What is Kavach system used by Indian Railways?
Kavach system is an indigenous train collision avoidance system designed to prevent train accidents, developed by Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO). It uses a combination of sensors, GPS, and communication systems to detect potential collisions and automatically apply brakes to prevent accidents. Kavach can detect when a train is approaching a red signal or another train on the same track and can alert the loco pilot and automatically apply brakes to prevent a collision, thereby enhancing rail safety.
Only three Indian OEM’s namely Medha Servo Drives, Kernex Microsystems and HBL Power Systems are approved for implementation of Kavach systems.
About Kernex-VRRC consortium: Kernex Micro Systems is NSE-BSE listed firm and a leading player in the development and deployment of advanced railway technologies in India, with a focus on Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems, signal systems, and modern rail safety solutions.
VRRC is a company specializing in railway signaling, communication, and control technologies.
