New Delhi: Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the next phase of the Kavach Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system during a parliamentary session, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing railway safety and operational efficiency.
The minister revealed that plans have been finalized to equip 10,000 locomotives with the Kavach system, alongside bidding processes for approximately 15,000 route kilometres (RKm), which includes priority sections across the Golden Quadrilateral, Golden Diagonal, High-Density Network, and other identified routes. Bids for 9,000 RKm have already been opened.
The minister detailed the evolution of Kavach, which was adopted as the National ATP system in July 2020. Developed indigenously, the system automatically applies brakes if the loco pilot fails to act within speed limits, ensuring safe operations even during inclement weather.
He explained that its development involved rigorous safety certifications, with the latest version, Kavach 4.0, approved in July 2024, incorporating improvements such as enhanced location accuracy and direct interfacing with existing electronic interlocking systems.
Deployment Progress and Specifications
Kavach has already been deployed over 1,548 RKm across the South Central and North Central Railways. Work is in progress on the Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah corridors, covering approximately 3,000 RKm, with track-side work completed on 1,081 RKm. Key advancements in deployment include:
- Optical Fiber Cable Laying: 4,960 kilometers completed.
- Telecom Towers Installation: 378 units set up.
- Station Equipment Deployment: 381 stations equipped.
- Locomotive Integration: 482 locomotives fitted.
- Track-Side Equipment Installation: 1,948 RKm operational.
Budget Allocations and Utilization
In response to queries from TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, the minister provided a breakdown of fund allocations and utilization:
- The total funds utilized on Kavach-related works so far amount to Rs 1,547 crore.
- For FY 2024-25, an allocation of Rs 1,112.57 crore has been made, with funds released as per the progress of the works.
- The approximate cost for track-side equipment installation is Rs 50 lakh per kilometre, while locomotive equipment costs around Rs 80 lakh per unit.
While specific state-wise expenditure, including West Bengal and Odisha, was not detailed, the deployment has been prioritized on high-density routes as part of a phased rollout.
Technological Milestones and Training
The system’s enhancements in version 4.0 address diverse network requirements and allow for large-scale deployment. The upgraded features, such as improved yard signal aspect clarity and Station-to-Station Kavach interfacing over Optical Fiber Cable (OFC), mark a significant leap in rail safety. To meet the scale of implementation, trials for new Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are underway to increase capacity beyond the three already approved suppliers.
Furthermore, specialized training programs have been conducted, with over 9,000 technicians, operators, and engineers trained at centralized institutes like IRISET. These courses have been designed to build operational expertise in deploying and maintaining Kavach systems.
Long-Term Vision
The minister reiterated Indian Railways’ commitment to expanding Kavach coverage to improve train operations nationwide. The ongoing bids, phased project implementations, and continuous training underline the strategic importance of Kavach in ensuring safety and reliability across the railway network.
With its focus on technological innovation and efficiency, the Kavach ATP system is set to redefine operational safety standards in Indian Railways, contributing to the vision of a safer, modernized national transportation network.
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