KAVACH 4.0: ASHWINI VAISHNAW GIVES BIG UPDATE ON AUTOMATIC TRAIN PROTECTION SYSTEM; 10,000 ENGINES TO GET SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Kavach 4.0: Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday stated that the automatic train protection system "Kavach 4.0" is set to equip 10,000 locomotives in the next phase. He added that 69 loco sheds have already been prepared for equipping with the system. He further stated that the government is continuously working to enhance the protection system.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that bids for track side works of Kavach for approximately 15,000 route kilometers (RKm) have been invited, covering all GQ, GD, HDN, and identified sections of Indian Railways. He further stated that works of 1865 RKm have already been.

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"Currently, 3 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are approved for supply of Kavach System. To increase capacity and scale of implementation, trials and approval of more OEMs are at different stages," stated Vaishnaw. He also stated that specialised training programme on Kavach are being conducted at centralised training institutes of Indian Railways.

"By now, more than 20,000 technicians, operators, and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology. Courses have been designed in collaboration with IRISET," the railways minister informed.

Vaishnaw also stated that while the cost for provision of Track Side, including station equipment of Kavach, is approximately Rs 50 lakh/km, the cost for provision of Kavach equipment on locomotives is around Rs 80 lakh/loco.

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"The funds utilised on Kavach works so far is Rs 1,950 crore. The allocation of funds during the year 2024-25 is Rs 1,112.57 crore. Requisite funds are made available as per the progress of works," the minister noted.

"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," he further added.