Lok Sabha Question No. 2743 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Rail Accident in Gummidipoondi, Tamil Nadu
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri T R Baalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  2743 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## RAIL ACCIDENT IN GUMMIDIPOONDI, TAMIL NADU

## 2743.    SHRI T R BAALU:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the recent major accident in Gummidipoondi Tamil Nadu took place as Kawach equipment was not introduced by Southern Railways;
- (b) if  so,  the  reasons  therefor  and  by  when  the  Kawach  facilities would be launched in the trains of Southern Railways; and
- (c) the  details  of  the  enquiries  if  any  conducted  into  the  various accidents  which  took  place  during  the  last  three  years  and  the action taken thereon?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (c):  Gummidipoondi train accident is not linked with provision of Kavach.  Regarding  implementation  of  Kavach  system,  details  are  as under:
1. Kavach  is  an  indigenously  developed  Automatic  Train  Protection (ATP)  system.  Kavach  is  a  highly  technology  intensive  system, which requires safety certification of highest order (SIL-4).
2. Kavach aids the Loco Pilot in running of train 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 Kavach Ver 3.2.
4. Kavach was adopted as National ATP system in July 2020.
5. Implementation of Kavach System involves following Key Activities:
- a) Installation  of  Station  Kavach  at  each  and  every  station,  block section.
- b)
- Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length.
- c)
- d)
- Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section.
- Laying of Optical Fibre Cable along the track.
- e) 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 central  Railway,  lot  of  experience  was  gained.  Using  that  further improvements were made. Finally, Kavach specification version 4.0 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  yard, 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. Progress of Key items comprising Kavach system on Indian Railways upto Oct' 2024 is as under: -
10. Next phase of Kavach implementation is planned as under:-
- a. Project for equipping 10,000 Locomotives has been finalized.
- b. Bids  for  track  side  Works  of  Kavach  for  approximately  15000 RKm have been invited. It covers all GQ, GD, HDN and Identified sections of Indian Railways.
11. Currently,  3  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.
12. Specialized training programme on Kavach are being conducted at centralized training institutes of Indian Railways to impart training to  all  concerned  officials.  By  now  more  than  9000  technicians,

| SN.   | Items                                | Progress   |
|-------|--------------------------------------|------------|
| i     | Laying of Optical Fibre Cable        | 5116 Km    |
| ii    | Installation of Telecom Towers       | 538 Nos.   |
| iii   | Provision of Kavach at Stations      | 521Nos.    |
| iv    | Provision of Kavach in Loco          | 687 Locos  |
| v     | Installation of Track side equipment | 3413 Rkm   |

operators and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology. Courses have been designed in collaboration with IRISET. Inquiries into the rail accidents are carried out by the statutory body, the Commission  of  Railway  Safety  under  Ministry  of  Civil  Aviation  and Departmental Inquiry Committees as per laid down norms. All accidents including those which took place during the last three years have been inquired  accordingly.  Appropriate  action  is  taken  by  the  respective Railway  administration  on  the  recommendations,  suggested  by  the agencies in their report *****