Lok Sabha Question No. 2544 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Automatic Train Protection System-Kavach 4.0
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Amol Ramsing Kolhe, Shri Mohite Patil Dhairyasheel Rajsinh, Shri Shafi Parambil, Smt. Supriya Sule, Shri Manish Jaiswal, Shri Sanjay Dina Patil, Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad, Shri Amar Sharadrao Kale, Shri Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke, Shri Bajrang Manohar Sonwane, Shri Bhaskar Murlidhar Bhagare, Smt. Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2544

TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## AUTOMATIC TRAIN PROTECTION SYSTEM - KAVACH 4.0

## 2544. SMT. POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM:

SHRI MOHITE PATIL DHAIRYASHEEL RAJSINH:

SMT. SUPRIYA SULE:

SHRI SANJAY DINA PATIL:

SHRI AMAR SHARADRAO KALE:

PROF. VARSHA EKNATH GAIKWAD:

SHRI BHASKAR MURLIDHAR BHAGARE:

SHRI SHAFI PARAMBIL:

SHRI MANISH JAISWAL:

DR. AMOL RAMSING KOLHE:

SHRI BAJRANG MANOHAR SONWANE:

SHRI NILESH DNYANDEV LANKE:

## Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  developed  an  Automatic  Train Protection System called Kavach and if so, the current status of Kavach 4.0 across the Railways alongwith timeline for its implementation on high-density and high-speed routes;
- (b) the details of railway lines in the country particularly in Maharashtra where Kavach 4.0 has been deployed, route-wise;
- (c) the number of trains operating in Maharashtra currently equipped
- with Kavach 4.0;
- (d) the reasons for the delay in rolling out the Kavach system in all stations;
- (e) the specific technological advancements in Kavach 4.0 compared to its earlier versions;
- (f) whether any foreign technology partnerships were involved in its development;
- (g) the measures being taken to continuously upgrade the system to meet global safety standards;
- (h) the number of train accidents or near-misses prevented by Kavach 4.0 since its deployment;
- (i) anticipated reduction in accidents and delays due to the system;
- (j) the  Government  has  conducted  any  cost-benefit  analysis  for Kavach 4.0 implementation, if so, the details thereof;
- (k) whether the deployment of Kavach 4.0 has improved punctuality and safety in train operations;
- (l) if  so,  the  details  of  its  impact,  with  specific  reference  to  zones where it is operational; and
- (m) the details of fund allocated for installation of Kavach system for Maharashtra and Jharkhand?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (m):  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.
2. 4.
3. 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.
6. b)
7. Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length.
8. c)
9. d)
10. Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section.
11. 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. The  sections mentioned  above  also  pass  through  states of Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
12. 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.

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

13. 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.
14. The funds utilized on Kavach works so far is Rs. 1547 Crores. The allocation of funds during the year 2024-25 is Rs. 1112.57 Crores. Requisite funds are made available as per the progress of works.

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