1,696 km fibre optic upgrade to strengthen railway communications, improve operational efficiency and support smarter rail infrastructure

Key Highlights

• Indian Railways has approved a ₹200 crore project to deploy 48-Fibre Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) across the South Eastern Railway.
• The project will cover 1,696.2 route kilometres (RKm) across four railway divisions.
• New fibre infrastructure will be installed in Adra, Chakradharpur, Kharagpur and Ranchi divisions.
• The upgrade will enhance communication between stations, control offices and field units.
• The project supports safer, faster and technology-driven railway operations.
• The initiative forms part of Indian Railways’ broader railway modernisation and digital infrastructure programme.

Indian Railways Strengthens Digital Infrastructure with ₹200 Crore OFC Project

New Delhi, June 30, 2026: Indian Railways has approved a ₹200 crore Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) project to strengthen the communication infrastructure of the South Eastern Railway, reinforcing its ongoing efforts to modernise rail operations through advanced digital technologies.

The project involves the deployment of 48-Fibre Optical Fibre Cable across 1,696.2 route kilometres, creating a high-capacity communication backbone that will support safer, faster and more efficient railway operations.

The approved works will cover four key railway divisions:

• Adra Division: 545.4 Route Kilometres
• Chakradharpur Division: 392.3 Route Kilometres
• Kharagpur Division: 339.9 Route Kilometres
• Ranchi Division: 418.6 Route Kilometres

Digital Backbone for Smarter Railway Operations

The upgraded fibre optic network will significantly improve communication reliability across the South Eastern Railway by enabling faster transmission of operational data and seamless coordination between stations, control offices and field units.

The enhanced communication infrastructure will also support the deployment of modern railway technologies, strengthen operational resilience and create a scalable digital platform for future capacity expansion.

According to Indian Railways, the investment is part of its long-term strategy to modernise critical infrastructure and improve operational safety through technology-driven solutions.

Hospitality & Tourism Impact

Although primarily an infrastructure upgrade, the Optical Fibre Cable project will indirectly benefit the travel and tourism ecosystem by supporting more reliable railway operations. Improved communication networks contribute to better train coordination, fewer operational disruptions and enhanced passenger service quality, factors that are increasingly important for both domestic and international travellers.

The South Eastern Railway serves several major tourism, business and pilgrimage destinations across West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha, including gateway cities and industrial corridors. Stronger digital infrastructure can improve network efficiency, supporting smoother travel experiences for tourists while benefiting hotels, tour operators, restaurants and local tourism businesses that rely on dependable rail connectivity.

The project also complements Indian Railways’ broader digital transformation agenda, reinforcing its role in building a smarter, safer and more technology-enabled transport network that supports India’s growing travel and hospitality economy.