South Central Railway (SCR) has issued a comprehensive tender for upgrading the electrical traction infrastructure on the Ongole–Gudur section, part of the Vijayawada Division. Valued at approximately ₹236 crore, the contract centres on converting an existing single 25 kV system to a more efficient 2 × 25 kV auto‑transformer feeding system. This move aligns strongly with India’s sustainable, low‑carbon rail modernisation ambitions.
The tender opened on 30 June 2025 and is scheduled to close by 19 August 2025. Interested bidders are required to submit a ₹1 crore earnest money deposit and may attend a pre‑bid meeting on 25 July 2025. The project is designed for completion over 24 months and encompasses works across 154 route kilometres, translating into 462 track kilometres within the line’s parameters. The scope of work is extensive: from detailed engineering and material supply to erection, testing and commissioning of the enhanced overhead equipment (OHE), feeder systems and earthing infrastructure stretching from Ongole to Gudur. The shift to a 2 × 25 kV system is a technical step forward that promises improved electrical efficiency, a resilience boost to traction power and greater capacity to meet India’s growing rail traffic demands.
A senior SCR official explained that by implementing auto‑transformers and enhanced feeding lines, the new system will balance voltage drops over longer distances. “This infrastructure overhaul ensures our electrified network becomes more robust. It reduces transmission losses and enables higher-speed operations, which have a substantive impact on both passenger and freight services,” the official added. The SCR initiative forms part of the national effort to decarbonise rail transport. Shifting away from old single‑feed systems to dual‑feed solutions makes energy usage cleaner and more efficient, yielding lower emissions per tonne‑kilometre. These upgrades complement railway electrification targets aimed at curbing carbon intensity and meeting India’s net‑zero goals.
Simultaneously, SCR has issued another key tender for installing the Kavach automatic train protection system in the Guntakal and Guntur divisions. Valued at ₹204 crore, this programme focuses entirely on safety: equipping trackside locations—including stations, level crossings, integrated block huts and ABS huts—with Kavach technology. The contract opened on 1 July 2025 and will remain open until 1 August 2025, with a pre‑bid congregational meeting scheduled for 15 July 2025. The timeline for completion is 30 months. Kavach is India’s indigenously developed train collision‑avoidance system that automatically applies brakes if a train breaches signal clearance or approaches danger. Its implementation across Guntakal and Guntur divisions is a continuation of SCR’s strong commitment to rail safety.
A senior SCR safety engineer noted, “Deploying Kavach aligns with our Zero Accident ambition. Automated train protection systems are pivotal in curbing human error and enhancing safety for both freight and passenger networks.” Both tenders reflect SCR’s twin‑track approach of modernising infrastructure and prioritising passenger safety. Together, the ₹440 crore investment signals a focused shift towards decarbonisation, digitalisation and sustainable rail growth. These upgrades are expected to benefit urban and peri‑urban communities by improving reliability, reducing energy usage and lowering accident risk across the network.
Infrastructure consultants have lauded SCR’s phased approach. “This simultaneous focus on traction and safety systems sets a strong precedent. It enhances performance and safety while showcasing how rail investments can further climate and equity goals,” said a railway policy analyst. From a market standpoint, the tenders are expected to attract bids from major national infrastructure firms with expertise in electrical distribution and rail safety technologies. Successful contractors will need to coordinate with SCR’s zones to ensure minimal disruption during construction and maintain service continuity.
Local communities along the Ongole–Gudur corridor will observe tangible benefits post-completion: smoother rides, energy-efficient operations and potentially shorter travel times. As heavy rail traffic—both passenger and freight—continues to increase, the enhanced capacity will prove pivotal in supporting regional economic corridors and urban connectivity. The Kavach rollout will also resonate with long-distance travellers and suburban commuters, instilling confidence in rail travel safety. As an automated braking system, Kavach offers a vital safeguard at vulnerable crossings and on crowded tracks, particularly benefitting gender‑neutral use and families travelling by train.
SCR’s bidding process underscores transparency through published tender terms, pre‑bid interaction points and regulatory compliance. Observers say that this approach helps instil investor confidence and ensures that infrastructure enhancements align with national environmental and safety objectives. Over the next two years, SCR will likely monitor bid responses closely and align contractor mobilisation with track possession schedules. Once work begins, the agency aims to sequence tasks to minimise impact on daily train operations. The Ongole–Gudur traction upgrade and Kavach deployment encapsulate a forward‑looking vision for South Central Railway—where electrification meets digital safety, and where each structural step reinforces equitable, eco‑friendly urban mobility. The success of these initiatives could guide future SCR investments in sustainable railway infrastructure.
As tenders close in the coming months, the impact will soon become evident—not only in technical project rollouts, but in better connectivity, reduced environmental footprint and safer journeys across the heart of southern India’s railway network.
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