Indian Railways is upgrading its safety systems to prevent accidents and ensure passenger security. The ministry is focusing on the indigenous Kavach system and digital signaling to reduce human errors. Recent approvals and implementations show a massive push toward modernizing the rail network across several zones.
What is the latest update on Kavach implementation
The railway has successfully implemented Kavach 4.0 on the Delhi-Palwal section of the Northern Railway. This project covers 21.6 route kilometers and 86 track kilometers, including areas from New Delhi station to the junction cabin section. To make this work, 1200 RFID tags and 1326 relay wirings were installed. The system now covers the Tilak Bridge-Palwal section, excluding New Delhi station, to prevent train collisions.
How much budget is allocated for signaling and safety
The government approved ₹1,364.45 crore for strengthening safety and communication infrastructure. The funds are distributed across different zones to modernize the network as follows:
| Railway Zone | Project Detail | Budget Allocated |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Railway | Kavach equipment for 232 engines | ₹208.81 Crore |
| Northern Railway | Optical fiber network for 3,200 km | ₹400.86 Crore |
| North Central Railway | Fiber network for 2,196 route km | ₹176.76 Crore |
| South Central Railway | Electronic interlocking at 49 stations | ₹578.02 Crore |
Where will the Kavach system expand next
Northern Railway will expand the Kavach system over 1,478 route kilometers with an investment of ₹362 crore. In the Firozpur division, 1,012 route kilometers will be covered at a cost of ₹241 crore. Additionally, 466 route kilometers in the Jammu division, including the Jammu Tawi-Katra and Banihal-Baramulla sections, will receive the system for ₹121 crore. The railway also introduced an automatic tower backup system at Dariyapur and Lakshmanpur stations to keep signals working even if underground cables fail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the Kavach system actually do?
Kavach is an indigenous automatic train protection system that prevents collisions by automatically applying brakes if the loco pilot fails to slow down or crosses a signal.
Which new sections in Northern Railway are getting Kavach?
The system will be expanded across 1,478 route km, including the Firozpur division and Jammu division sections like Jammu Tawi-Katra and Banihal-Baramulla.