Indian Railways is intensifying its efforts to deploy the advanced Kavach 4.0 automatic train protection system, aiming to install the technology across 10,000 locomotives and over 14,375 route kilometres (RKM) of tracks nationwide. The move is part of the railways’ larger goal to enhance safety and efficiency in train operations.
Bidding Process underway
As per a press release from the Chief Public Relations Officer of Maligaon, Assam, the bidding process for the installation of the Kavach system has already begun. Out of the total 14,735 RKM earmarked for Kavach installation, bids have been opened for 1,105 RKM, with additional bids set to be opened by the end of November 2024.
Indian Railways has also called for tenders to equip 10,000 locomotives with the Kavach 4.0 system, with financial bids currently under evaluation. The new system will replace older versions of Kavach, ensuring all locomotives are upgraded to the latest safety technology.
In the North East Frontier Railway region, approximately 1,966 RKM between Malda Town and Dibrugarh have been identified for the system’s implementation. Furthermore, Indian Railways has sanctioned the installation of Kavach across more than 30,000 RKM in the 2024-25 fiscal year, with bids already invited for 14,375 RKM. An additional 17,000 RKM will be covered in 2025-26, and up to 30,000 RKM are scheduled for 2026-28.
The Kavach 4.0 system, which was approved by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation in July 2024, has already undergone successful trials. The system was tested on a 108-km stretch between Kota and Sawai Madhopur in the West Central Railway and is currently undergoing trials on an 84-km section between Ahmedabad and Vadodara in the Western Railway.
With the goal of completing the rollout across all major routes by 2030, Indian Railways is committed to improving passenger safety through the deployment of the Kavach system.