TBM Staff - Mumbai
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a comprehensive plan to implement the automatic train-protection system, Kavach, across India’s rail network, marking a major push for railway safety. This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to modernising railway safety measures and aims to significantly enhance safety by preventing train collisions and accidents.
In his address to the Lok Sabha on Thursday, Vaishnaw highlighted that Kavach 4.0, which received certification from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation on July 17, 2024, will be deployed extensively. He underscored the importance of Kavach, noting that smaller countries with less extensive rail networks took over 20 years to implement similar systems. Vaishnaw assured that the Indian government is committed to a rapid rollout, stating, “We will work hard day and night to install Kavach along every kilometer of our rail network.”
The minister revealed that tenders are in process for the implementation of Kavach on 9,000 kilometers of track and that Kavach 4.0 will be introduced on 10,000 coaches in the coming months. The initiative includes scaling up production capabilities, with three manufacturers already onboard and two more joining the effort. Over 8,000 engineers and technicians have been trained, and six universities have integrated Kavach into their curriculum.
Vaishnaw’s remarks were part of a broader discussion on railway safety and infrastructure, with the minister emphasising the government’s focus on delivering tangible improvements to passenger safety. This initiative represents a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to modernise the Indian railways and ensure the safety of its passengers.
