Indian Railways achieves 100% electrification milestone in 14 states/union territories

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New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): The Indian Railways is rapidly advancing its commitment to passenger safety and operational efficiency with the rollout of the indigenously developed Kavach Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. In a recent update, the Ministry of Railways announced significant milestones achieved by this highly advanced technology, aimed at ensuring safer and more reliable train travel across the nation.

The Kavach ATP system, designed to bolster safety measures, functions as a robust safeguard for train operations. The technology aids locomotive pilots in maintaining train speed within prescribed limits. In instances where the locomotive pilot fails to act, the Kavach system automatically applies brakes to avert potential risks. This sophisticated system is particularly vital during adverse weather conditions, enabling trains to run safely even in inclement weather.

The journey of Kavach began with the commencement of field trials on passenger trains in February 2016. Drawing from the insights gained during these trials, coupled with rigorous safety assessments by independent third parties, three firms were selected in 2018-19 for the supply of Kavach. Notably, in July 2020, Kavach was designated as the national ATP system, further highlighting its crucial role in railway safety.

Currently operational on 1465 Route kilometers and 121 locomotives, including Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) rakes, on the South Central Railway network, Kavach's impact continues to expand. The recent awarding of Kavach tenders for the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors, spanning approximately 3000 Route kilometers, underscores Indian Railways' commitment to safety enhancement.

Moreover, Indian Railways is steadfast in its determination to further enhance safety measures. Plans are underway to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPR) and detailed estimates for an additional 6000 Route kilometers. This proactive approach aligns with the ministry's vision of robust and secure rail travel.

Financially, the implementation of the Kavach system has been supported with an investment of Rs. 351.91 Crores. Notably, the cost of provisioning Kavach equipment on the tracks, including station equipment, is approximately Rs. 50 Lakhs per kilometer. Meanwhile, equipping locomotives with Kavach technology comes at an estimated cost of Rs. 70 lakh per locomotive.

Looking ahead, Indian Railways is dedicated to diversifying its pool of Kavach suppliers. Currently, three Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are authorized for Kavach production, with efforts underway to expand vendor partnerships and augment implementation capacity.

The significant progress in Kavach ATP system deployment echoes the Indian Railways' unwavering commitment to enhancing passenger safety and elevating the efficiency of its extensive rail network. This momentous stride brings India closer to a future where train travel is not only swift but also exceptionally secure.

For further details, Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, shared these insights in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha today. The announcement reflects the ministry's dedication to transparency and proactive communication on pivotal advancements in railway technology and safety.