Indian Railways Approves ₹200 Crore Optical Fibre Cable Project Covering Nearly 1,700 Route Kilometres Across South Eastern Railway

48-Fibre OFC Backbone to Be Laid Across Adra, Chakradharpur, Kharagpur and Ranchi Divisions to Strengthen Faster and More Reliable Railway Communications

In a significant step towards strengthening the digital communication backbone of Indian Railways, Indian Railways has approved the provision of Balance 48-Fibre Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) across South Eastern Railway at a cost of ₹200 crore.

The project will provide 48-fibre OFC connectivity over 1,696.2 Route Kilometres (RKm)

across four major divisions of South Eastern Railway, reinforcing the communication network that supports safe, efficient and technology-driven railway operations.

Strengthening the Communication Backbone

The sanctioned work covers installation of OFC across the following divisions:

• Adra Division: 545.4 RKm
• Chakradharpur Division: 392.3 RKm
• Kharagpur Division: 339.9 RKm
• Ranchi Division: 418.6 RKm

Together, these works will strengthen communication infrastructure over 1,696.2 Route Kilometres of South Eastern Railway.

Supporting Safe and Modern Railway Operations

The upgraded fibre optic backbone will provide a robust, high-capacity communication network for railway operations. It will enhance the reliability and resilience of communication systems, support faster transmission of operational data, and improve coordination between stations, control offices and field units.

The project will also provide the necessary communication infrastructure to support modern railway technologies, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the digital foundation for future capacity expansion across the South Eastern Railway network.

The approval is part of Indian Railways' continuing efforts to modernise critical railway infrastructure through advanced communication systems, ensuring safer, smarter and more efficient train operations across the national network.