+
SWR To Install Advanced Tunnel Radio In Western Ghats
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

SWR To Install Advanced Tunnel Radio In Western Ghats

In a key move to enhance safety and operational reliability, South Western Railway (SWR) will install an advanced Tunnel Radio Communication System in the Castle Rock–Kulem section of the Braganza Ghats, located on the Karnataka–Goa border in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.

This 26-kilometre stretch, cutting through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its dense forests, 1-in-37 ruling gradient, and the picturesque Dudhsagar Falls. Despite its scenic beauty, the region poses serious operational challenges due to the lack of road access and persistent radio blackouts across 16 tunnels, affecting both railway staff and tourist services.

SWR’s new communication system will integrate four key railway communication channels — VHF, Locotrol, GSM-R, and LTE-R — into every tunnel using a robust network of optical-fibre backbones, high-gain repeaters, and leaky-feeder cables. The Rs 12.21 crore project (approximately Rs 122 million) is scheduled for completion by October 2025.

“This will ensure seamless communication between loco pilots, guards, station masters, and control rooms even inside tunnels,” said Manjunath Kanmadi, Chief Public Relations Officer, SWR. “It will significantly enhance safety, allow quicker emergency response, and support maintenance operations in this remote stretch.”

The technology mirrors international best practices. For instance, the UK’s Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) uses leaky-feeder systems and GSM-R for tunnel communication, while Japan’s Shinkansen network has adopted LTE-R and 5G to achieve high-speed, low-latency train control. London Underground also employs leaky-feeder antennas for uninterrupted radio coverage.

Officials note that this implementation will particularly improve coordination between lead and banking locomotives on the region’s steep gradients. It will also enhance safety for passengers and provide railway staff with a more secure and responsive environment, further aligning Indian Railways with global standards in tunnel operations.

Image source:www.ucanews.com

In a key move to enhance safety and operational reliability, South Western Railway (SWR) will install an advanced Tunnel Radio Communication System in the Castle Rock–Kulem section of the Braganza Ghats, located on the Karnataka–Goa border in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.This 26-kilometre stretch, cutting through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its dense forests, 1-in-37 ruling gradient, and the picturesque Dudhsagar Falls. Despite its scenic beauty, the region poses serious operational challenges due to the lack of road access and persistent radio blackouts across 16 tunnels, affecting both railway staff and tourist services.SWR’s new communication system will integrate four key railway communication channels — VHF, Locotrol, GSM-R, and LTE-R — into every tunnel using a robust network of optical-fibre backbones, high-gain repeaters, and leaky-feeder cables. The Rs 12.21 crore project (approximately Rs 122 million) is scheduled for completion by October 2025.“This will ensure seamless communication between loco pilots, guards, station masters, and control rooms even inside tunnels,” said Manjunath Kanmadi, Chief Public Relations Officer, SWR. “It will significantly enhance safety, allow quicker emergency response, and support maintenance operations in this remote stretch.”The technology mirrors international best practices. For instance, the UK’s Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) uses leaky-feeder systems and GSM-R for tunnel communication, while Japan’s Shinkansen network has adopted LTE-R and 5G to achieve high-speed, low-latency train control. London Underground also employs leaky-feeder antennas for uninterrupted radio coverage.Officials note that this implementation will particularly improve coordination between lead and banking locomotives on the region’s steep gradients. It will also enhance safety for passengers and provide railway staff with a more secure and responsive environment, further aligning Indian Railways with global standards in tunnel operations.Image source:www.ucanews.com

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Bihar Launches Rs 53.4 Billion Green Energy Plan

The Bihar government has taken a major stride towards clean energy with the launch of two new policies and the signing of agreements totalling Rs 53.4 billion. These initiatives aim to generate 2,357 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy through solar, wind, battery storage, and other sustainable technologies.The Bihar Renewable Energy Policy 2025 and the Pump Storage Policy 2025 were officially introduced at an event in Patna. Designed to attract significant investment, the policies seek to position Bihar as a key centre for clean energy projects. Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav stated tha..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Bids Invited for Rs 62.5 Billion Vizag Metro Project

The long-anticipated Visakhapatnam Metro Project has made significant progress, with the Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation inviting bids for the first civil contract under Phase 1 of the Vizag Metro. The estimated cost of this contract is Rs 62.5 billion.This engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract covers the design and construction of a 46.23 km viaduct spanning three corridors, including a 20.16 km double-decker four-lane flyover cum metro viaduct. The project also comprises 42 elevated metro stations across Visakhapatnam.Recently, SYSTRA Consultancy signed a Memorandum ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Oberoi Realty to Buy Hotel Horizon for Rs 9.19 Billion

A consortium led by Mumbai-listed Oberoi Realty Ltd is set to acquire debt-laden Hotel Horizon Pvt Ltd in Juhu, Mumbai for Rs 9.19 billion (approximately USD 107 million) under a resolution plan approved through India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).In a filing to the stock exchange, Oberoi Realty confirmed that the Committee of Creditors of Hotel Horizon had approved the resolution plan, following which a letter of intent was issued. The consortium also includes Shree Naman Developers and JM Financial Properties.As per the resolution plan, the consortium will make a payment of Rs 9.1..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?