India’s cutting-edge automatic train protection system called ‘Kavach 4.0’ is on track to equip 10,000 locomotives in the next phase (the project has been finalised), and 69 loco sheds have been prepared for the installation of the system, the government informed on Wednesday.
Bids for trackside works of Kavach for approximately 15,000 route kilometres (RKm) have been invited, covering all GQ, GD, HDN, and identified sections of Indian Railways, out of which works for 1,865 RKm have been awarded, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
“Currently, three original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are approved for the supply of the Kavach System. To enhance capacity and expand implementation, trials and approvals for additional OEMs are at various stages,” said the minister.
Specialised training programmes on Kavach are being conducted at centralised training institutes of Indian Railways to impart training to all concerned officials.
“By now, more than 20,000 technicians, operators, and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology. Courses have been designed in collaboration with IRISET,” Vaishnaw informed.
The cost for the provision of trackside infrastructure, including station equipment of Kavach, is approximately ₹50 lakh per kilometre, while the cost for installing Kavach equipment on locomotives is approximately ₹80 lakh per locomotive.
“The funds utilised for Kavach works so far amount to ₹1,950 crore. The allocated funds for the year 2024-25 amount to ₹1,112.57 crore. Necessary funds are allocated based on project progress,” the minister noted.
Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system that assists the Loco Pilot in operating the train within specified speed limits by automatically applying brakes if the Loco Pilot fails to do so. It also ensures safe train operations during inclement weather conditions.
Major improvements in Kavach Version 4.0 include enhanced location accuracy, improved signal aspect information in larger yards, station-to-station Kavach interface via OFC, and direct integration with the existing Electronic Interlocking System.
“Kavach version 4.0 covers all the major features required for the diverse railway network. This is a significant milestone in safety for Indian Railways. Within a short period, IR has developed, tested, and started deploying the Automatic Train Protection System,” informed the minister.
(Inputs from IANS)
