Lok Sabha Question No. 4471 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Railway Projects in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. D. Purandeswari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4471 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025

## RAILWAY PROJECTS IN ANDHRA PRADESH

4471.DR. D. PURANDESWARI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the current percentage of broad-gauge railway lines electrified  in  Andhra  Pradesh  and  the  scheduled  date  for  achieving 100% electrification;
- (b)  the  status  of  track  upgradation  works  to  support  Vande  Bharat Express operations;
- (c)  the  details  of  the  progress  on  the  deployment  of  the  'Kavach' automatic train protection system on major routes within the State;
- (d)the details of the total funds allocated for electrification and safety system upgradation projects in Andhra Pradesh for the current fiscal year; and
- (e)the  details  of  the  specific  measures  being  taken  to  enhance  the speed and safety of passenger and freight trains running through the State?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (e)  Electrification  of  railway  network  on  Indian  Railways  has been taken up in mission mode. So far, about 99% of Broad Gauge (BG) network has been electrified. The electrification in remaining network has  been  taken  up.  Electrification  carried  out  during  2014-25  and before 2014 is as under:

| Period                       | Route Kilometer   |
|------------------------------|-------------------|
| Before 2014 (about 60 years) | 21,801            |
| 2014-25                      | 46,900            |

In Andhra Pradesh, entire existing BG network has been electrified.  Further,  all  new  line  /  multitracking  projects  are  being sanctioned and constructed with electrification.

Budget allocation has increased significantly in the recent times. Budget  allocation  for  infrastructure  projects  including  electrification and safety works falling fully/partly in Andhra Pradesh is as under:

| Period   | Outlay                                 |
|----------|----------------------------------------|
| 2009-14  | ₹ 886 crore/year (including Telangana) |
| 2025-26  | ₹ 9417 crore                           |

Upgradation and improvement of railway tracks on Indian Railways to increase the speed potential have been carried out in a big way during last 10 years. The measures for track upgradation include use of 60 kg rails, wider base concrete sleepers, thick web switches, longer  rail  panels,  H  Beam  sleepers,  modern  track  renewal  and maintenance machines etc.

As  a  result  of  above  measures,  there  has  been  significant increase in speed potential of the tracks.

## Speed potential of tracks:

| Sectional Speed (kmph)   | 2014 (Track Km)   | 2025 (Track Km)            |
|--------------------------|-------------------|----------------------------|
| < 110                    | 47,897            | 22,862                     |
| 110 - 130                | 26,409            | 59,800 (more than 2 times) |
| 130 & above              | 5,036             | 23,010 (more than 4 times) |
| Total                    | 79,342            | 1,05,672                   |

## Safety in train operations:

Safety  is  accorded  the  highest  priority  on  Indian  Railways.  As  a consequence of various safety measures taken over the years, there has  been  a  steep  decline  in  the  number  of  accidents.  Consequential Train Accidents have reduced from 135 in 2014-15 to 31 in 2024-25 as shown in the graph below. The causes of the accidents that took place over Indian Railways broadly include track defects, loco/coach defects, equipment failures, human errors, etc.

It  may  be  noted  that  the  Consequential  Train  Accidents  during the  period  2004-14  was  1711  (average  171  per  annum),  which  has declined to 31 in 2024-25 and further to 3 in 2025-26 (upto June, 2025).

Another important index showing improved safety in train operations  is  Accidents  Per  Million  Train  Kilometer  (APMTKM)  which has  reduced  from  0.11  in  2014-15  to  0.03  in  2024-25,  indicating  an improvement of approx. 73% during the said period.

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The  various  safety  measures  taken  to  enhance  safety  in  train operations are as under:-

1. On Indian Railways, the expenditure on Safety related activities has increased over the years as under:-
2. Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation  of  points  and  signals  have  been  provided  at  6,635 stations up to 30.06.2025 to reduce accident due to human failure.
3. Interlocking  of  Level  Crossing  (LC)  Gates  has  been  provided  at 11,096 level Crossing Gates up to 30.06.2025 for enhancing safety at LC gates.
4. Complete Track Circuiting of stations to enhance safety by verification  of  track  occupancy  by  electrical  means  has  been provided at 6,640 stations up to 30.06.2025.
5. Kavach  is  a  highly  technology  intensive  system,  which  requires safety  certification  of  highest  order.  Kavach  was  adopted  as  a National ATP system in July 2020. Kavach is provided progressively in phased manner. Kavach has already been deployed on 1548 RKm on South Central Railway and North Central Railway. Presently, the work  is  in  progress  on  Delhi-Mumbai  and  Delhi-Howrah  corridors (approximately 3000 RKm). Kavach has been successfully commissioned  over  Kota-Mathura  section  (Delhi-Mumbai  route) covering 324 Route Kilometers on 30.07.2025.
6. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Signalling, e.g. mandatory correspondence check, alteration work protocol, preparation of completion drawing, etc. have been issued.
7. System of disconnection  and  reconnection  for  S&T  equipment  as per protocol has been re-emphasized.
8. All locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCD) to improve alertness of Loco Pilots.
9. Retro-reflective  sigma  boards  are  provided  on  the  mast  which  is located two OHE masts prior to the signals in electrified territories to alert the crew about the signal ahead when visibility is low due to foggy weather.
10. A GPS based Fog Safety Device (FSD) is provided to loco pilots in fog affected areas which enables loco pilots to know the distance of  the  approaching  landmarks  like  signals,  level  crossing  gates, etc.
11. Modern  track  structure  consisting  of  60kg,  90  Ultimate  Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Prestressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC) Normal/Wide  base  sleepers  with  elastic  fastening,  fan  shaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers, Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges is used while carrying out primary track renewals.
12. Mechanisation of track laying activity through use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc. to reduce human errors.
13. Maximizing  supply  of  130m/260m  long  rail  panels  for  increasing progress  of  rail  renewal  and  avoiding  welding  of  joints,  thereby improving safety.
14. Ultrasonic  Flaw  Detection  (USFD)  testing  of  rails  to  detect  flaws and timely removal of defective rails.
15. Laying  of  longer  rails,  minimizing  the  use  of  Alumino  Thermic Welding  and  adoption  of  better  welding  technology  for  rails  i.e., Flash Butt Welding.
16. Monitoring of track geometry  by  OMS  (Oscillation Monitoring System) and TRC (Track Recording Cars).
17. 17.
18. Patrolling of railway tracks to look out for weld/rail fractures.
18. The  use  of  Thick  Web  Switches  and  Weldable  CMS  Crossing  in turnout renewal works.
19. Inspections  at  regular  intervals  are  carried  out  to  monitor  and educate staff for observance of safe practices.
20. Web  based  online  monitoring  system  of  track  assets  viz.  Track database and decision support system has been adopted to decide rationalized maintenance requirement and optimize inputs.
21. Detailed  instructions  on  issues  related  with  safety  of  Track,  e.g. integrated block, corridor block, worksite safety, monsoon precautions, etc. have been issued.
22. Preventive maintenance of railway assets (Coaches & Wagons) is
24. undertaken to ensure safe train operations.
23. Replacement of conventional ICF design coaches with LHB design
26. coaches is being done.
24. All  unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) route have been eliminated by January 2019.
25. Safety of Railway Bridges is ensured through regular inspection of Bridges. The requirement of repair/rehabilitation of Bridges is taken up based upon the conditions assessed during these inspections.
26. Indian Railways has displayed Statutory 'Fire Notices' for widespread passenger information in all coaches. Fire posters are provided  in  every  coach  so  as  to  educate  and  alert  passengers regarding  various  Do's  and  Don'ts  to  prevent  fire.  These  include messages regarding not carrying any inflammable material, explosives,  prohibition  of  smoking  inside  the  coaches,  penalties etc.
27. Production  Units  are  providing  Fire  detection  and  suppression system  in  newly  manufactured  Power  Cars  and  Pantry  Cars,  Fire and  Smoke  detection  system  in  newly  manufactured  coaches. Progressive  fitment  of  the  same  in  existing  coaches  is  also underway by Zonal Railways in a phased manner.
28. Regular counselling and training of staff is undertaken.
29. Concept  of  Rolling  Block  introduced  in  Indian  Railways  (Open Lines)  General  Rules  vide  Gazette  notification  dated  30.11.2023, wherein  work  of  integrated  maintenance/  repair/replacement  of assets is planned up to 52 weeks in advance on rolling basis and executed as per plan.

| Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   |
|---------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                         | 2013-14                                                 | 2022-23                                                 | 2023-24                                                 | 2024-25                                                 | 2025-26                                                 |
| Maintenance of Permanent Way & Works                    | 9,172                                                   | 18,115                                                  | 20,322                                                  | 21,800                                                  | 23,316                                                  |
| Maintenance of Motive Power and Rolling Stock           | 14,796                                                  | 27,086                                                  | 30,864                                                  | 31,540                                                  | 30,666                                                  |
| Maintenance of Machines                                 | 5,406                                                   | 9,828                                                   | 10,772                                                  | 12,112                                                  | 12,880                                                  |
| Road Safety LCs and ROBs/ RUBs                          | 1,986                                                   | 5,347                                                   | 6,662                                                   | 8,184                                                   | 7,706                                                   |
| Track Renewals                                          | 4,985                                                   | 16,326                                                  | 17,850                                                  | 22,669                                                  | 22,800                                                  |
| Bridge Works                                            | 390                                                     | 1,050                                                   | 1,907                                                   | 2,130                                                   | 2,169                                                   |
| Signal & Telecom Works                                  | 905                                                     | 2,456                                                   | 3,751                                                   | 6,006                                                   | 6,800                                                   |
| Workshops Incl. PUs and Misc. expenditure on Safety     | 1,823                                                   | 7,119                                                   | 9,523                                                   | 9,581                                                   | 10,134                                                  |
| Total                                                   | 39,463                                                  | 87,327                                                  | 1,01,651                                                | 1,14,022                                                | 1,16,470                                                |

The details of the Safety related works related to better maintenance practices, Technological improvements, better infrastructure and rolling stock etc. undertaken by Railways are tabulated below:-

| S.N.   | Item                                   | 2004-05 to 2013-14         | 2014-15 to 2024-25   | 2014-25 Vs. 2004-14   |
|--------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------|-----------------------|
|        | Technological Improvements             | Technological Improvements |                      |                       |
| 1.     | Use of high-quality rails (60 Kg) (Km) | 57,450 Km                  | 1.43 Lakh Km         | More than 2 times     |

| 2.   | Longer Rail Panels (260m) (Km)                            | 9,917 Km                                | 77,522 Km                                        | Nearly 8 times                          |
|------|-----------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| 3.   | Electronic Interlocking (Stations)                        | 837 Stations                            | 3,691 Stations                                   | More than 4 times                       |
| 4.   | Fog Pass Safety Devices (Nos.)                            | As on 31.03.14: 90 Nos.                 | As on 31.03.25: 25,939 Nos.                      | 288 times                               |
| 5.   | Thick Web Switches (Nos.)                                 | Nil                                     | 28,301 Nos.                                      |                                         |
|      | Better Maintenance Practices                              | Better Maintenance Practices            | Better Maintenance Practices                     | Better Maintenance Practices            |
| 1.   | Primary Rail Renewal (Track Km)                           | 32,260 Km                               | 49,941 Km                                        | 1.5 times                               |
| 2.   | USFD (Ultra Sonic Flaw detection) Testing of Welds (Nos.) | 79.43 Lakh                              | 2 Crore                                          | More than 2 times                       |
| 3.   | Weld failures (Nos.)                                      | In 2013-14: 3699 Nos.                   | In 2024-25: 370 Nos.                             | 90 % reduction                          |
| 4.   | Rail fractures (Nos.)                                     | In 2013-14: 2548 Nos.                   | In 2024-25: 289 Nos.                             | More than 88% reduction                 |
|      | Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock                   | Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock | Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock          | Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock |
| 1.   | New Track KM added (Track Km)                             | 14,985 Km                               | 34,428 Km                                        | More than 2 times                       |
| 2.   | Flyovers (RoBs)/ Underpasses (RUBs) (Nos.)                | 4,148 Nos.                              | 13,808 Nos.                                      | More than 3 times                       |
| 3.   | Unmanned Level crossings (Nos.) on BG                     | As on 31.03.14: 8,948                   | As on 31.03.24: Nil (All eliminated by 31.01.19) | Removed                                 |
| 4.   | Manufacture of LHB Coaches (Nos.)                         | 2,337 Nos.                              | 42,677                                           | More than 18 times                      |

## Progress of Kavach is as under:

1. Kavach is an indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured Automatic  Train  Protection  (ATP)  system.  Kavach  is  a  highly
2. technology intensive system, which requires safety certification of highest order (SIL-4).
2. Kavach  aids  the  Loco  Pilot  in  running  of  trains  within  specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case Loco Pilot fails  to  do  so  and  also  helps  the  trains  to  run  safely  during inclement weather.
3. The  first  field  trials  on  the  passenger  trains  were  started  in February  2016.  Based  on  the  experience  gained  and  Independent Safety Assessment of the system by Independent Safety Assessor (ISA), three firms were approved in 2018-19, for supply of KavachVer 3.2.
4. Kavach was adopted as National ATP system in July 2020.
5. Implementation of Kavach System involves following Key Activities:
- i. Installation of Station Kavach at each and every station, block section.
8. ii.
9. Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length.
- iii. Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section.
11. iv.
12. Laying of Optical Fibre Cable along the track.
- v. Provision  of  Loco  Kavach  on  each  and  every  Locomotive running on Indian Railways.
6. Based on deployment of Kavach version 3.2 on 1465 RKm on South Sentral Railway, a lot of experience was gained.Using that further improvements were made. Finally, Kavach specification version 4.0
15. was approved by RDSO on 16.07.2024.
7. 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 Automatic Train Protection System.
8. Major  improvement  in  Version  4.0  includes  increased  Location Accuracy, Improved Information of Signal Aspects in bigger yards, Station to Station Kavach interface on OFC and Direct Interface to existing Electronic Interlocking System. With these improvements, Kavach Ver.4.0. is planned for large scale deployment over Indian Railways.
9. After  extensive  and  elaborate  trials  in  324  Rkms  of  Mathura-Kota section for advance version of Kavach 4.0, this section is approved by Independent Safety Assessor (ISA).  This is also the first section to be approved by ISA.  Kavach Version 4.0 has been commissioned over  Kota-Mathura  section  covering  324  Route  Kilometers  on 30.07.2025.
10. Progress of Key  items comprising Kavach  system  on  Indian Railways upto15.08.2025 is as under:-
11. Project  for  equipping  10,000  Locomotives  has  been  finalized.  69 number  of  loco  sheds  have  been  prepared  for  equipping  with Kavach.
12. Bids for track side Works of Kavach for approximately 15,000 RKm have been invited covering all GQ, GD, HDN and identified sections of  Indian  Railways,  out  of  which  works  of  14954  RKm  have  been awarded.
13. Part  of  sections  mentioned  above  passes  through  the  state  of Andhra Pradesh.
14. Specialized training programmes on Kavach are being conducted at centralized training institutes of Indian Railways to impart training to  all  concerned  officials.  By  now  more  than  30,000  technicians, operators and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology. Courses have been designed in collaboration with IRISET. *****

|   SN | Items                                | Progress   |
|------|--------------------------------------|------------|
|    1 | Laying of Optical Fibre Cable        | 5870 Km    |
|    2 | Installation of Telecom Towers       | 638 Nos.   |
|    3 | Provision of Kavach at Stations      | 708 Nos.   |
|    4 | Provision of Kavach in Loco          | 1348 Locos |
|    5 | Installation of Track side equipment | 4012Rkm    |