Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has secured a Rs. 242.49 crore OHE upgradation order from South Central Railway. The project involves upgrading the existing 1x25kV OHE system to a 2x25kV AT feeding system. The project will be completed over 24 months across the Ongole–Gudur rail section in the Vijayawada Division.

Introduction:

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a key public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, has emerged as the Lowest Bidder (L1) for a significant infrastructure project awarded by South Central Railway. The project focuses on the upgradation of the existing overhead electrification (OHE) system from 1x25kV to an advanced 2x25kV traction system, strengthening railway operations in Andhra Pradesh.

The contract pertains to the Ongole (OGL) to Gudur (GDR) section of the Vijayawada Division, a strategically important railway corridor under South Central Railway. The total stretch covered under the project spans 154 Route Kilometres (RKM) and 462 Track Kilometres (TKM), highlighting the scale and technical complexity of the work.

Project Scope and Technical Details:

As per the tender document (Tender No: 2x25KV-OHE-OGL-GDR-15), the scope of work awarded to RVNL includes:

The conversion from a 1x25kV system to a 2x25kV Auto Transformer (AT) feeding system is aimed at enhancing power availability, improving energy efficiency, and supporting higher train speeds and increased traffic density on the route.

Project Cost and Execution Timeline:

The total cost of the project has been estimated at Rs. 242.49 crore, inclusive of all applicable taxes. This substantial investment reflects South Central Railway’s continued focus on modernising railway electrification infrastructure to meet future operational demands.

RVNL has been allotted a 24-month execution period to complete the project from the date of award. The timeline underscores the importance of timely execution to ensure minimal disruption to railway services while achieving long-term operational benefits.

Role of the Contracting Entities:

RVNL’s emergence as the L1 bidder reinforces its position as a leading railway infrastructure developer, particularly in complex electrification and system upgradation projects across Indian Railways.

Strategic Importance:

The Ongole–Gudur section plays a crucial role in passenger and freight movement along the eastern corridor. The OHE upgradation is expected to improve reliability, reduce transmission losses, and enhance the overall capacity of the section, aligning with Indian Railways’ electrification and modernisation goals.

Conclusion:

With this Rs. 242.49 crore OHE upgradation project, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited strengthens its footprint in railway electrification works. The initiative by South Central Railway marks another step toward modern, efficient, and high-capacity rail infrastructure, supporting long-term growth and operational efficiency across the Vijayawada Division.

Source: RVNL – Tender Update | Image Credit (representational): MoR

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