Lok Sabha Question No. 2612 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-07
Subject: Kavach Safety System in Kanchanjunga Express
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Khalilur Rahaman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2612 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.08.2024

## KAVACH SAFETY SYSTEM IN KANCHANJUNGA EXPRESS

2612.  SHRI KHALILUR RAHAMAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  it  is  true  that  the  train  accident  on  17 th   June  2024 involving Kanchanjunga Express was due to signal failure, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether walkie-talkie has not been made available to the loco pilots and the train manager, if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether it is a fact that since 1 st  April 2019 till 31 st  March 2024 there  has  been  208  cases  of  Signal  Passed  at  Danger(SPAD) which resulted in 12 accidents, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether there was Kavach Safety system in the express train, if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2612 BY SHRI KHALILUR RAHAMAN TO BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  07.08.2024  REGARDING  KAVACH

(a)  to  (e):  The  Chief  Commissioner  of  Railway  Safety  (CCRS)  has inquired  into  accident  of  Kanchenjunga  Express  Train  on  17.06.2024 and  have  informed  to  Indian  Railways  in  its  preliminary  report  that Rear end collision between Train No. DN 13174 Kanchanjunga Express and DN GFCJ Container in Katihar Division of N.F Railway at 08:50 hrs on 17.06.2024 occurred due to lapses at multiple levels in managing the train operations under Automatic Signal failures.

Presently,  81931  walkie-talkie  sets  are  available  for  Loco  Pilots, Assistant Loco Pilots and Train Managers over Indian Railways. There was shortage of walkie-talkie sets in New Jalpaiguri (NJP) lobby but

SAFETY SYSTEM IN KANCHANJUNGA EXPRESS the same has been resolved as on date.

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, which include accidents due to Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD) also, have reduced from 473 in 2000-01 to 40  in  2023-24  as  shown  in  graph  below.  Derailments  also,  have reduced from 473 in 2000-01 to 40 in 2023-24 as shown in the graph below.

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Safety  is  accorded  the  highest  priority  on  Indian  Railways.    The various  safety  measures  taken  to  enhance  safety  in  train  operations are as under:-

## 1. On Indian Railways, the expenditure on Safety related works has increased over the years as under:

(₹ in Crores)

|                                                     |   2022-23 (Act) |   2023-24(Act) |   BE 2024-25 |
|-----------------------------------------------------|-----------------|----------------|--------------|
| Maintenance of Permanent Way & Works                |           18115 |          20322 |        21386 |
| Maintenance of Motive Power and Rolling Stock       |           27086 |          30864 |        31494 |
| Maintenance of Machines                             |            9828 |          10772 |        11864 |
| Road Safety LCs and ROBs/RUBs                       |            5347 |           6662 |         9980 |
| Track Renewals                                      |           16326 |          17850 |        17652 |
| Bridge Works                                        |            1050 |           1907 |         2137 |
| Signal & Telecom Works                              |            2456 |           3751 |         4647 |
| Workshops Incl. PUs and Misc. expenditure on Safety |            7128 |           9534 |         9634 |
| Total                                               |           87336 |         101662 |       108795 |

- centralized operation  of  points  and  signals  have  been  provided  at  6,589 stations  up  to  30.06.2024  to  eliminate  accident  due  to  human
2. Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with failure.
3. Interlocking  of  Level  Crossing  (LC)  Gates  has  been  provided  at 11,048  level  Crossing  Gates  up  to  30.06.2024  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 6,609 stations up to 30.06.2024.
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  has  so  far  been deployed  on  1465  Route  km  and  144  locomotives  (including Electric Multiple Unit rakes) on South Central Railway.  Kavach is provided progressively in phased manner.
6. Axle  counters  for  Automatic  clearance  of  Block  Section,  BPAC (Block  Proving  Axle  Counter)  are  provided  to  ensure  complete arrival  of  train  without  manual  intervention  before  granting  line clear to receive next train and to reduce human element.  These systems  have  been  provided  on  6079  Block  Sections  upto 30.06.2024.

- A project for provision of Long Term Evolution (LTE) based Mobile Train Radio Communication system has been approved for 34,803
7. Rkms over Indian Railways.
8. The  project  for  provision  of  Tunnel  Communication  has  been taken up in various zonal Railways.
9. Emergency  talk-back  system  and  Emergency  Alarm  Systems have been provided in Vande Bharat Train sets.
10. CCTVs have been provided in all Vande Bharat Express coaches. Till date more than 9572 coaches are equipped with CCTV.
11. 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.
12. System of disconnection and reconnection for S&T equipment as per protocol has been re-emphasized.
13. All  locomotives  are  equipped  with  Vigilance  Control  Devices (VCD) to improve alertness of Loco Pilots.
14. 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.
15. 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.

16. Modern track  structure  consisting  of  60kg,  90  Ultimate  Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Pre-stressed 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.
17. Mechanisation  of  track  laying  activity  through  use  of  track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc to reduce human errors.
18. Maximizing supply of 130m/260m long rail panels for increasing progress of rail renewal and avoiding welding of joints, thereby improving safety.
19. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and timely removal of defective rails.
20. Laying  of  longer  rails,  minimizing  the  use  of  Alumino  Thermic Welding and adoption of better welding technology for rails i.e. Flash Butt Welding.
6. Monitoring  of  track  geometry  by  OMS  (Oscillation  Monitoring
21. System) and TRC (Track Recording Cars).
8. 22.
9. Patrolling of railway tracks to look out for weld/rail fractures.
10. The  use  of  Thick  Web  Switches  and  Weldable  CMS  Crossing  in
23. turnout renewal works.
24. Inspections  at  regular  intervals  are  carried  out  to  monitor  and educate staff for observance of safe practices.

25. 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.
26. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Track e.g. integrated block, corridor block, worksite safety,  monsoon precautions etc. have been issued.
27. Preventive maintenance of railway assets (Coaches & Wagons) is undertaken to ensure safe train operations.
28. Replacement  of  conventional  ICF  design  coaches  with  LHB design coaches is being done.
29. All unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) route have been eliminated by January 2019.
30. 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.
31. 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.

32. 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.
33. Regular counselling and training of staff is undertaken.
34. 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.

The details of Safety related works undertaken by Railways are tabulated below:-

| SN   | Item                                                          | 2004-05 to 2013-14   | 2014-15 to 2023-24   | 2014-24 vs 2004-14   |
|------|---------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|----------------------|----------------------|
|      | Track Maintenance                                             |                      |                      |                      |
| 1.   | Expenditure on Track Renewal (Rs. in Cr.)                     | 47,018               | 1,09,659             | 2.33 times           |
| 2.   | Rail Renewal Primary (Track Km)                               | 32,260               | 43,335               | 1.34 times           |
| 3.   | Use of high-quality rails (60 Kg) (Km)                        | 57,450               | 1,23,717             | 2.15 times           |
| 4.   | Longer Rail Panels (260m) (Km)                                | 9,917                | 68,233               | 6.88 times           |
| 5.   | USFD (Ultra Sonic Flaw detection) Testing of Rails (Track km) | 20,19,630            | 26,52,291            | 1.31 times           |
| 6.   | USFD (Ultra Sonic Flaw detection) Testing of Welds (Nos.)     | 79,43,940            | 1,73,06,046          | 2.17 times           |

| 7.   | New Track KM added (Track km)                              | 14,985                          | 31,180                                           | 2.08 times                      |
|------|------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| 8.   | Weld failures (Nos.)                                       | In 2013- 14: 3699               | In 2023-24: 481                                  | 87% reduction                   |
| 9.   | Rail fractures (Nos.)                                      | In 2013- 14: 2548               | In 2023-24: 383                                  | 85% reduction                   |
| 10   | Thick Web Switches (Nos.)                                  | Nil                             | 21,127                                           |                                 |
| 11   | Track Machines (Nos.)                                      | As on 31.03.14 = 748            | As on 31.03.24 = 1,661                           | 122% increase                   |
|      | Level Crossing Gate Elimination                            | Level Crossing Gate Elimination | Level Crossing Gate Elimination                  | Level Crossing Gate Elimination |
| 1.   | Elimination of Unmanned Level Crossing Gates (Nos.)        | As on 31.03.14: 8948            | As on 31.03.24: Nil (All eliminated by 31.01.19) | 100% reduction                  |
| 2.   | Elimination of Manned Level Crossing Gates (Nos.)          | 1,137                           | 7,075                                            | 6.21 Times                      |
| 3.   | Road over Bridges (RoBs)/ Road under Bridges (RUBs) (Nos.) | 4,148                           | 11,945                                           | 2.88 Times                      |
| 4.   | Expenditure on LC Elimination                              | 5,726                           | 36,699                                           | 6.40 Times                      |
|      | Bridge Rehabilitation                                      | Bridge Rehabilitation           | Bridge Rehabilitation                            | Bridge Rehabilitation           |
| 1.   | Expenditure on Bridge Rehabilitation (Rs. in Cr.)          | 3,919                           | 8,008                                            | 2 Times                         |
|      | Signaling Works                                            | Signaling Works                 | Signaling Works                                  | Signaling Works                 |
| 1.   | Electronic Interlocking (Stations)                         | 837                             | 2,964                                            | 3.52 times                      |
| 2.   | Automatic Block Signaling (Km)                             | 1,486                           | 2,497                                            | 1.67 times                      |
| 3.   | Fog Pass Safety Devices (Nos.)                             | As on 31.03.14: 90              | As on 31.03.24: 19,742                           | 219 times                       |

|    | Rolling Stock                                                                                 | Rolling Stock     | Rolling Stock     | Rolling Stock     | Rolling Stock     |
|----|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|-------------------|-------------------|-------------------|
| 1. | Manufacture of LHB Coaches (Nos.)                                                             | 2,337             | 36,933            | 36,933            | 15.80 times       |
| 2. | Provision of Fire and Smoke Detection System in AC coaches (Nos. of Coaches)                  | 0                 | 19,271            | 19,271            |                   |
| 3. | Provision of Fire Detection and Suppression System in Pantry and Power Cars (Nos. of Coaches) | 0                 | 2,991             | 2,991             |                   |
| 4. | Provision of Fire Extinguishers in Non -AC coaches (Nos. of Coaches)                          | 0                 | 66,840            | 66,840            |                   |
|    | Budget allocation                                                                             | Budget allocation | Budget allocation | Budget allocation | Budget allocation |
| 1  | Gross Budgetary Support for Railway Investment (Rs. in Cr.)                                   | 1,56,739          | 1,56,739          | 8,25,967          | 5.3 times         |

It  may  noted  that  the  Signal  Passed  at  Danger  (SPAD)  is  not  an accident but is treated as an indicative accident which in real term is just a potential hazard.

The no. of cases of Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD), since 01.04.2019 till 31.03.2024, has decreased from 57 in 2019-20 to 38 in 2023-2024.

Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.  Kavach  is  a highly  technology  intensive  system,  which requires safety certification of highest order.

Kavach  aids  the  loco  pilot  in  train  running  within  specified  speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case Loco Pilot fails to do so and also helps the train to run safely during inclement weather.

Implementation of Kavach involves execution of many activities, such as:

- (a)
- Installation of Station Kavach at each and every station.
- (b) Installation of RFID tags throughout the track length.
- (c)
- Installation of Telecom Towers throughout the section.
- (d)
- Laying of optical Fibre cable along the track.
- (e) Provision  of  Loco  Kavach  on  Locomotives  running  on  Indian Railways.

Kavach  has  so  far  been  deployed  on  1465  Route  km  and  144 locomotives on South Central Railway.

Presently,  the  progress  of  main  items  related  to  Kavach  on  DelhiMumbai & Delhi- Howrah corridors (approximately 3000 Route km) is as under:

- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- Laying of Optical Fibre Cable: 4275 Km
- Installation of Telecom Towers: 364 Nos.
- Provision of equipment at Stations: 285 Nos.
- (d) Provision of equipment in Loco: 319 Locos
- (e) Installation of Track side equipments: 1384 RKm.

Indian Railways has also prepared Detailed Project Report (DPR) and

Detailed Estimate on another 6000 RKm.

On 16.07.2024, Kavach 4.0 specification has been approved by RDSO. This  version  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.

## -:11:-

Kavach  is  provided  progressively  in  phased  manner.  Kanchanjunga Express accident took place in New Jalpaiguri - Barsoi - Malda Town section.  CRS  Inquiry  has  been  ordered  in  cases  of  Kanchanjunga Express Train Accident.

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