Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday (February 1) announced that there has been significant progress in the implementation of the automatic train protection system known as “Kavach” across the Indian rail network.
Developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with private entities, the Kavach system serves as a crucial safety measure, applying brakes automatically in emergency situations when a train driver fails to respond promptly.
Vaishnaw highlighted that the Indian Railways is actively working to implement the Kavach system throughout its network to enhance operational safety. The system comprises five key components: optical fibre work, Kavach towers, data centres at stations, trackside equipment, and loco Kavach.
Vaishnaw shares update on Kavach implementation
Speaking to reporters at Rail Bhavan, Vaishnaw provided an update on the progress made in installing these components. By the end of December 2023, optical fibre cables were laid on 3,040-kilometre routes, with 269 Kavach towers installed.
“Good progress has been made in installing all these five components. By the end of December 2023, optical fibre cables were laid on 3,040-km routes, along with the installation of 269 Kavach towers. Data centres are ready at 186 stations and trackside equipment has been installed on 827-km routes. Besides, loco Kavach has been fitted in 170 locomotives,” he said.
The minister noted that there are currently three Kavach manufacturers in the country, with approval pending for two more. Due to the critical nature of the safety system, the approval process for manufacturers typically takes a minimum of two-and-a-half years.
Significance of Kavach system
Vaishnaw underscored the significance of the Kavach system, emphasising its role in ensuring passenger safety. He highlighted that while automatic train protection systems have been in use worldwide since the 1990s, India had previously overlooked train protection and safety measures. However, with the approval of Kavach in 2016 and subsequent SIL 4 certification in 2018, Indian Railways has prioritized its implementation.
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Vaishnaw affirmed the government’s commitment to expediting the implementation of the Kavach system from 2021 onwards, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to enhancing railway safety and operational efficiency.
