With the Indian government gearing up to announce its forthcoming 2024-25 Budget, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has escalated efforts to expand the Kavach automatic train protection system across the nation’s railway network. Highlighting a mission-oriented strategy, Vaishnaw has emphasised Kavach’s pivotal role in averting collisions and fortifying railway safety, following the recent tragic train accident in West Bengal.
The Kavach system, designed to prevent collisions between trains operating on the same track, is currently manufactured by three companies, with more in the pipeline. Under the new directive, the railway authorities are targeting the implementation of Kavach on key routes like Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah.
Indian Railways plans to secure 44,000 km in 5 years
After a high-level meeting conducted just days after the Bengal incident, Vaishnaw instructed railway officials to expedite the installation of Kavach 4.0, the latest iteration of the system known for its capability to avert potential disasters on the tracks.
This urgency comes as the railway ministry aims to extend Kavach’s coverage to a substantial 44,000 kilometers of track over the next five years. According to multiple media reports, tenders for an additional 6,000 kilometers of track are slated for release by year-end to further bolster safety measures.
What is Kavach System?
The Kavach system, currently at version 3.2, is set for an upgrade to version 4.0 to enhance its capabilities further. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, development and testing continued unabated. In 2021, version 3.2 received certification and deployment commenced on high-density routes such as Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah in late 2022.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Union Budget 2024 is anticipated to prioritise railway safety initiatives, with a significant allocation expected for the accelerated deployment of the Kavach system. The ministry’s proactive stance reflects its commitment to modernizing infrastructure and ensuring passenger safety amidst the ambitious targets set for the next five years.
As India advances towards securing its railway network with cutting-edge technology, the spotlight remains on Kavach as a pivotal component in transforming the safety landscape of one of the world’s largest railway systems.
