NOVA Control Technologix, a wholly owned subsidiary of e2E Rail, said it will invest more than Rs one billion (bn) over the next few years in research and development of next generation railway safety systems. The company said the funds will be directed at strengthening in house R D capabilities and developing indigenous deep tech solutions across railway safety, signalling, train protection and operational technology (OT) cybersecurity. The announcement coincides with Indian Railways accelerating deployment of KAVACH and broader digitisation of railway operations. Industry discussion at the IRSE Convention & Exhibition 2026 highlighted the need to integrate OT cybersecurity into core safety architecture. Sourajit Mukherjee, director and chief executive officer of e2E Rail and NOVA Control Technologix, described railway safety as undergoing a fundamental transformation and indicated cybersecurity should be treated as a critical safety layer rather than a standalone IT function. He said the integrity, reliability and resilience of railway operations must be protected as signalling, train control and operational systems become more connected and data driven. Vinay Rao, promoter chairman of e2E Rail, outlined a long term strategy to build intellectual property and deep tech capabilities in India that strengthen safety, enhance technological self reliance and create export opportunities. He indicated NOVA will prioritise product development, intellectual property creation and strategic partnerships to accelerate innovation in railway technologies, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The company said it is evaluating strategic partnerships and selective acquisitions in railway technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other advanced engineering domains to accelerate product development. NOVA is collaborating with Tata Elxsi to integrate cybersecurity capabilities with signalling and safety systems and received industry recognition at the IRSE Convention with an award for excellence in KAVACH modernisation and OT cybersecurity integration. Industry observers noted that the convergence of signalling, train protection, automation and cybersecurity is expected to play a critical role in shaping the next generation of railway safety systems.