Issues with the implementation of Kavach

Source: The post issues with the implementation of Kavach has been created, based on the article “Lack of focus, not finance, behind sluggish Kavach deployment” published in “The Hindu” on 26th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– science and technology -indigenisation of technology

Context: The article discusses the slow implementation of Kavach, India’s train safety system, designed to prevent accidents by warning pilots and automatically applying brakes. Despite ample funding, the installation has been slow, covering only a small fraction of trains and tracks.

For detailed information on Issues and status of the Kavach Signaling System read this article here

What is Kavach?

Kavach is India’s Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to enhance railway safety.

It warns locomotive pilots if there is a risk of overshooting a red signal.

Kavach can automatically apply brakes if the train’s speed is not reduced below a certain limit.

For more information on Kavach read this article

What is needed to implement Kavach?

1. Needed:
2. RFID Tags: Place Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags on the tracks.
3. Engine Setup: Equip engines with RFID readers, a computer, and brake interface equipment.
4. Radio Towers: Install radio towers at railway stations.
5. Cost of Implementing Kavach:
6. Tracks: ₹50 lakh per kilometer. Total cost for 68,000 km of tracks is ₹34,000 crore.
7. Engines: ₹70 lakh per engine. Total cost for 15,200 engines is ₹10,640 crore.
8. Total Cost: ₹45,000 crore for complete implementation.
9. Yearly Cost: Spread over 10 years, the yearly cost is ₹4,500 crore.
10. Budget Proportion: This yearly cost is less than 2% of the Railway’s annual capital expenditure of ₹2,52,000 crore.

What are the issues with the implementation of Kavach?

1. Slow Progress: Since field trials in 2016, Kavach has been installed on just 1,465 route kilometers as of February this year, which is only around 2% of the total railway network.
2. Low Coverage of Locomotives: Of the total 15,200 diesel and electric engines in the Indian Railways, only 139 are equipped with Kavach, accounting for less than 1% of engines.
3. Slow Deployment Rate: If the current rate of implementation continues, it would take approximately 46 years to cover all routes and over 100 years to equip all engines with Kavach.
4. Need for Increased Pace: To complete installation within 10 years, the deployment rate must increase to 6,800 route kilometers per year and 1,500 engines per year.

Question for practice:

Examine the current status and challenges of the implementation of India’s Kavach train safety system.