RVNL Bags ₹143.37 Crore Southern Railway Electrification Project

Rail officials in Puru (Image credit India Embassy in Peru)
RVNL Project to Boost Freight Capacity and Energy Efficiency
By TRH News Desk
New Delhi, April 11, 2025: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, has emerged as the Lowest Bidder (L1) for a high-value electric traction system upgradation project in the Southern Railway Zone, with a contract worth ₹143.37 crore.
The project covers the Salem – Podanur – Coimbatore – Irugur section, a critical freight corridor under the Salem Division, and involves the transformation of the existing traction infrastructure from 1×25 kV to 2×25 kV to meet modern logistics demands and improve operational efficiency.
Project Highlights:
- Total Length: 357 TKM
- Zone: Southern Railway
- Division: Salem Division
- Scope: Upgrade of Overhead Equipment (OHE) to dual-voltage 2×25 kV standards
Scope and Strategic Goals:
The initiative aims to enhance traction capacity to accommodate:
- Heavier axle loads and longer freight trains
- Higher energy efficiency and reduced power losses
- Reliable and stable power supply for future freight operations
- Seamless heavy-haul movement with fewer operational delays
The Salem–Coimbatore–Irugur section is a backbone of Southern India’s freight network. Its modernization aligns with Indian Railways’ vision to expand Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) and shift toward net-zero emissions.
Commenting on the achievement, Pradeep Gaur, Chairman & Managing Director, RVNL, said: “This project reaffirms RVNL’s commitment to driving modernization and energy-efficient solutions in railway infrastructure.”
He also stated that “by enhancing the electric traction capacity of a key freight corridor, we are enabling faster, more reliable, and sustainable logistics for the future.”
“This is a significant step toward building a future-ready, energy-efficient, and sustainable rail freight transport infrastructure. RVNL remains dedicated to supporting Indian Railways in achieving a world-class freight network aligned with national development goals and environmental responsibility,” said the RVNL CMD.
The project adds to RVNL’s expanding portfolio in high-impact railway infrastructure, as the company continues to be a key player in India’s transportation and energy transition journey.
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