Lok Sabha Question No. 1484 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Modernisation of Signalling Systems in Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Mukesh Rajput

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1484 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## MODERNISATION OF SIGNALLING SYSTEMS IN RAILWAYS

†1484 SHRI MUKESH RAJPUT:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether steps have been taken by the Government to modernize the signalling system in Indian Railways:
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government  has  taken any steps to enhance passenger safety in Indian Railways; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

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

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (d)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1484 BY SHRI MUKESH RAJPUT TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 04.12.2024 REGARDING MODERNISATION OF SIGNALLING SYSTEMS IN RAILWAYS.

(a) to (d):   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  consequential  train derailments also, have reduced from 135 in 2014-15 to 40 in 2023-24 as shown in the graph below.  The causes of these accidents broadly include track defects, Loco/Coach defects, equipment failures, human errors etc.  An accident might cause damage to the Railway property that includes track, rolling stock, OHE equipment, signaling gears 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  678  during  the  period  2014-24  (average  68  per  annum)  i.e.  a reduction of about 60%.

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 2023-24, indicating an improvement of approx. 73% during the said period.

<!-- image -->

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

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

| Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.) re on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.) re on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.) re on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.) re on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.) re on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.) re on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   |            |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
|                                                                                                                                                   | 2022-23 (Act)                                                                                                                                     | 2023- 24(Act)                                                                                                                                     | BE 2024-25 |
| Maintenance of Permanent Way & Works Maintenance of Permanent                                                                                     | 18,115                                                                                                                                            | 20,322                                                                                                                                            | 21,386     |
| Maintenance of Motive Power and Rolling Stock Maintenance of Motive Power and Rolling Stock                                                       | 27,086                                                                                                                                            | 30,864                                                                                                                                            | 31,494     |
| Maintenance of Machines Maintenance of Machines                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                                                   | 11,864     |
|                                                                                                                                                   | 9,828                                                                                                                                             | 10,772                                                                                                                                            |            |
| Road Safety LCs and ROBs/ RUBs Road Safety LCs and                                                                                                | 5,347                                                                                                                                             | 6,662                                                                                                                                             | 9,980      |
| Track Renewals                                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                                                   |            |
|                                                                                                                                                   | 16,326                                                                                                                                            | 17,850                                                                                                                                            | 17,652     |
|                                                                                                                                                   | 1,050                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                   |            |
|                                                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                                                   | 4,647      |
| Signal & Telecom Works Signal & Telecom Works                                                                                                     | 2,456                                                                                                                                             | 3,751                                                                                                                                             |            |
| Bridge Works                                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                                                   |            |
|                                                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                                                   | 1,907                                                                                                                                             | 2,137      |

| Workshops Incl. PUs and 7,119   | 9,523    | 9,615    |
|---------------------------------|----------|----------|
| Misc. expenditure on            |          |          |
| Total 87,327                    | 1,01,651 | 1,08,776 |

- ii. Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation  of  points  and  signals  have  been  provided  at  6,608 stations  up  to  31.10.2024  to  reduce  accidents  due  to  human failure.
- iii. Interlocking  of  Level  Crossing  (LC)  Gates  has  been  provided  at 11,053 level Crossing Gates up to 31.10.2024 for enhancing safety at LC gates.
- iv. Complete  Track  Circuiting  of  stations  to  enhance  safety  by verification  of  track  occupancy  by  electrical  means  has  been provided at 6,619 stations up to 31.10.2024.
- v. 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  DelhiMumbai  and  Delhi-Howrah  corridors  (approximately  3000  Route Km). Track side works on these routes have been completed on about 1081 RKm (705 RKm on Delhi-Mumbai section and 376 RKm on Delhi-Howrah section). Regular trials are being done on these sections.
- vi. 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.

- vii. System of disconnection and reconnection for S&T equipment as per protocol has been re-emphasized.
- viii. All  locomotives  are  equipped  with  Vigilance  Control  Devices (VCD) to improve alertness of Loco Pilots.
- ix. 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.
- x. 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.
- xi. Modern  track  structure  consisting  of  60kg,  90  Ultimate  Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Prestressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC) Normal/Wide  base  sleepers  with  elastic  fastening,  fanshaped layout  turnout  on  PSC  sleepers,  Steel  Channel/H-beam  Sleepers on girder bridges  is  used  while  carrying  out  primary  track renewals.
- xii. Mechanisation  of  track  laying  activity  through  use  of  track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc to reduce human errors.
- xiii. Maximizing  supply  of  130m/260m  long  rail  panels  for  increasing progress  of  rail  renewal  and  avoiding  welding  of  joints,  thereby improving safety.
- xiv. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and timely removal of defective rails.
- xv. Laying  of  longer  rails,  minimizing  the  use  of  Alumino  Thermic Welding  and  adoption  of  better  welding  technology  for  rails  i.e. Flash Butt Welding. --5/-

- xvi. Monitoring  of  track  geometry  by  OMS  (Oscillation  Monitoring System) and TRC (Track Recording Cars).

xvii. Patrolling of railway tracks to look out for weld/rail fractures.

xviii. The  use  of  Thick  Web  Switches  and  Weldable  CMS  Crossing  in turnout renewal works.

xix. Inspections  at  regular  intervals  are  carried  out  to  monitor  and educate staff for observance of safe practices.

- xx. 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.
- xxi. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Track e.g. integrated block, corridor block, worksite safety, monsoon precautions etc. have been issued.

xxii. Preventive maintenance of railway assets (Coaches & Wagons) is undertaken to ensure safe train operations.

xxiii. Replacement of conventional ICF design coaches with LHB design coaches is being done.

xxiv. All unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) route have been eliminated by January 2019.

xxv. 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.

xxvi. 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.

xxvii. 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.

xxviii. Regular counselling and training of staff is undertaken.

xxix. 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 the Safety related works undertaken by Railways are tabulated below:-

| SN   | Item                                                          | 2004-05 2013-14   | 2014-15 2023-24   | to                | 2014-24 2004-14   | Vs.               |
|------|---------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|-------------------|-------------------|-------------------|-------------------|
|      | Track Maintenance                                             | Track Maintenance | Track Maintenance | Track Maintenance | Track Maintenance | Track Maintenance |
| 1.   | Expenditure on Track Renewal (Rs. in Cr.)                     | 47,038            | 1,09,577          |                   | 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 (LC+ROB+RUB)                  | 8,825                           | 41,957                                           | 4.75 Times                      |
|      | Bridge Rehabilitation                                       | Bridge Rehabilitation           | Bridge Rehabilitation                            | Bridge Rehabilitation           |
| 1.   | Expenditure on Bridge Rehabilitation (Rs. in Cr.)           | 3,924                           | 8,255                                            | 2.10 Times                      |

|    | Signalling Works                   | Signalling Works   | Signalling Works   | Signalling Works   |
|----|------------------------------------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------------|
|  1 | Electronic Interlocking (Stations) | 837                | 2,964              | 3.52 times         |
|  2 | Automatic Block Signaling (Km)     | 1,486              | 2,497              | 1.67 times         |

| S N   | Item                                                                                          | 2004-05 to 2013-14   | 2014-15 2023-24        | to   | 2014-24 2004-14   | Vs.   |
|-------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|------------------------|------|-------------------|-------|
|       | Rolling Stock                                                                                 |                      |                        |      |                   |       |
| 1.    | Manufacture of LHB Coaches (Nos.)                                                             | 2,337                | 36,933                 |      | 15.80 times       |       |
| 2.    | Provision of Fire and Smoke Detection System in AC coaches (Nos. of Coaches)                  | 0                    | 19,271                 |      |                   |       |
| 3.    | Provision of Fire Detection and Suppression System in Pantry and Power Cars (Nos. of Coaches) | 0                    | 2,991                  |      |                   |       |
| 4.    | Provision of Fire Extinguishers in Non - AC coaches (Nos. of Coaches)                         | 0                    | 66,840                 |      |                   |       |
| 5.    | Fog Pass Safety Devices (Nos.)                                                                | As on 31.03.14: 90   | As on 31.03.24: 19,742 |      | 219 times         |       |

Further,  Indian  Railways  has  also  gone  for  implementation  of advance technology system 'Kavach' as an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.

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.
3. 4.
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
7. section.
- 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 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
13. 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
15. 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, operators and engineers have  been  trained on Kavach technology. Courses have been designed in collaboration with IRISET.

| 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   |

*****