Work in progress on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Hawrah corridors
The Indian Railways is preparing Detailed Project Report (DPR) and detailed estimate for another 6,000-km for deployment of Kavach, a highly technology intensive system, which requires safety certification of highest order, Rajya Sabha was updated on the project on 21 July 2023.
Kavach tenders have been awarded for 3,000-km Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors, Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a written reply to a question. Work is in progress on these routes.
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 help the train safely run during inclement weather.
The first field trials on the passenger trains were started in February 2016. Based on the experience so gained and Independent Safety Assessment of the system by a 3rd party (Independent Safety Assessor: ISA), three firms were approved in 2018-19, for supply of Kavach. Subsequently Kavach was adopted as a National ATP system in July 2020.
Kavach has so far been deployed on 1,465 Route km and 121 locomotives (including Electric Multiple Unit rakes) on South Central Railway.
The Kavach implementation has so far cost Rs.351.91 crores.
The cost for provision of track side including station equipment of Kavach is approximately Rs.50 Lakhs/km and cost for provision of Kavach equipment on loco is approximately Rs.70 lakh/ loco.
Presently there are three Indian OEMs who are approved for Kavach.
Efforts are being made to develop more vendors to enhance the capacity and scale up the implementation of Kavach, the Minister said. Fiinews.com
