Indian Railways is continuing the deployment of “Kavach,” an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, with large-scale implementation underway. The system, designed to enhance train safety and operational efficiency, has been installed across 1,548 route kilometers (RKm) on South Central and North Central Railways. Work is in progress on the Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah corridors, covering approximately 3,000 RKm.
Progress on key components of the Kavach system as of October 2024 includes:
- Laying of 4,960 km of optical fiber cable.
- Installation of 378 telecom towers.
- Provision of Kavach at 381 stations and on 482 locomotives.
- Installation of track-side equipment on 1,948 RKm.
The implementation of Kavach version 4.0 began following its approval in July 2024. Enhancements in this version include improved location accuracy, better signal aspect information for large yards, and a direct interface with existing electronic interlocking systems.
The next phase includes equipping 10,000 locomotives and extending track-side installations to approximately 15,000 RKm. Bids for 9,000 RKm of this work have already been opened.
The cost of installing Kavach is estimated at ₹50 lakh per kilometer for track-side equipment and ₹80 lakh per locomotive. So far, ₹1,547 crore has been utilized for Kavach works, with an allocation of ₹1,112.57 crore for the fiscal year 2024–25.
Training initiatives have also been launched, with over 9,000 personnel, including technicians, operators, and engineers, trained on the system. These programs are conducted in collaboration with the Indian Railways Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications (IRISET).
Kavach was officially adopted as the National ATP System in 2020, following field trials that began in 2016 and subsequent safety certifications. The project is expected to enhance safety and operational reliability across the railway network.