North Western Railway GM Announces Major Safety and Infrastructure Upgrades in Jaisalmer
In a significant development for railway safety and infrastructure, the General Manager of North Western Railway (NWR), Amitabh, has announced the rollout of the advanced indigenous anti-collision system Kavach 4.0 across approximately 1,586 kilometers of railway tracks in the zone. This initiative aims to prevent train accidents and enhance operational security.
Kavach 4.0 Installation Progress and Timeline
During a press conference in Jaisalmer, Amitabh revealed that more than 50 percent of the required towers for the Kavach system have already been installed. Additionally, around 70 percent of the Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) laying work has been completed. The system is expected to be commissioned during the 2026–27 period, marking a crucial step forward in railway safety technology.
"The installation work is underway across about 1,586 km in the first phase within the NWR zone to prevent train accidents," Amitabh stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of this upgrade.
Jaisalmer Station Redevelopment and Security Enhancements
Amitabh's two-day visit to Jaisalmer included an inspection of the ongoing redevelopment works at Jaisalmer Railway Station, which is part of a mega redevelopment project worth about ₹140 crore. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Jaisalmer is one of the stations where redevelopment has been completed.
Key improvements at the station include:
- Installation of 219 CCTV cameras across the station area and buildings to monitor suspicious activities.
- Completion of one pit line and approval for another, both equipped with shed facilities to protect railway staff from extreme heat.
- Enhanced passenger amenities, cleanliness arrangements, and overall station management.
The Railway Protection Force will handle the monitoring of these cameras, further strengthening security arrangements at the station.
Infrastructure Expansion and Future Prospects
Considering strategic requirements in Rajasthan's border districts, efforts are underway to strengthen the rail network. Surveys are being conducted for new railway lines to connect border districts, with reports for lines from Jaisalmer to Khajuwala and from Bikaner to Anupgarh already sent to the Railway Board. The final survey DPR for a new rail line from Jaisalmer to Bhabhar via Barmer will be submitted within the next three months.
Amitabh indicated that as infrastructure develops, there is a possibility of trains like Vande Bharat Express operating from Jaisalmer in the future. "With the development of these facilities, train operations from Jaisalmer are also expected to increase," he said, noting that the number of locomotives will rise and work on an engine maintenance shed has begun.
Boosting Regional Industries and Track Improvements
The railway is playing a vital role in boosting industries such as the cement sector and other businesses in the region. A survey will soon begin for laying a new rail line from Ramgarh to Sonu, considering the requirements of Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited (RSMML). The Rajasthan government will participate in this project, with a DPR worth ₹300 crore sent to the state government.
In a notable achievement, the Jodhpur division of NWR has successfully conducted a high-speed trial of 121 km/h on the Jodhpur–Jaisalmer railway section, where the previous speed limit was 100 km/h. An OMS train was operated at this speed, demonstrating significant track improvements under the division's campaign.
Anurag Tripathi, Divisional Railway Manager of the Jodhpur division, was also present during the visit, underscoring the collaborative efforts in these upgrades.
