**Executive Summary**
On June 22, 2026, the Ministry of Railways approved the deployment of the indigenous Kavach safety system across 631 Route Kilometres of the East Coast Railway at a cost of ₹270 crore. The project aims to enhance safety and operational efficiency across six key sections in Odisha and neighboring regions. This initiative utilizes LTE-based technology to prevent collisions and improve reliability during adverse weather conditions.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Project Scope and Investment**
* The project involves an investment of ₹270 crore to cover 631 Route Kilometres (RKm).
* Six railway sections are included: Baghuapal–Budhapank, Haridaspur–Paradeep, Khurda Road (KUR)-Balangir, Naupada-Gunupur, Lanjigarh Road-Junagarh, and Bobbili-Salur.
* **System Capabilities and Technology**
* Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.
* The deployment features an LTE-based communication backbone.
* The system monitors train movement continuously and automatically applies brakes to prevent Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD), over-speeding, and collisions.
* **Operational Benefits**
* Enhances safety for both passenger and freight train operations.
* Improves punctuality and service reliability during adverse weather, such as dense fog.
* Strengthens safety infrastructure across high-density and strategically important routes.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Railways / East Coast Railway**
**Impact**
The organization will see a significant upgrade in its safety infrastructure through the integration of indigenous ATP technology and an LTE-based communication backbone.
**Action Required**
Oversee the provision and installation of the Kavach system across the six specified railway sections.
**Passenger and Freight Services**
**Impact**
Service users will benefit from higher safety standards, reduced collision risks, and improved punctuality, particularly during periods of low visibility.
**Action Required**
No specific action is required from these stakeholders; they are the primary beneficiaries of the improved operational reliability.
**Odisha and Neighbouring Regions**
**Impact**
The region will experience strengthened transport infrastructure, supporting the movement of people and goods across key high-density sections.
**Action Required**
No specific action is mentioned for regional authorities beyond the benefits derived from the infrastructure expansion.
Key Entities Referenced
Kavach: India’s indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to prevent collisions and over-speeding.
East Coast Railway: The specific railway zone where 631 route kilometers have been approved for the deployment of safety technology.
Ministry of Railways: The primary government body responsible for the approval and implementation of the Kavach safety project.
Odisha: The primary state where the key railway sections and neighboring regions served by East Coast Railway are located.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways Approves Kavach Deployment
Worth ₹270 Crore on 631 Route Kilometres of
East Coast Railway to Enhance Safety and
Operational Efficiency
प्रव तथ: 22 JUN 2026 3:03PM by PIB Delhi
In a major step towards strengthening railway safety through indigenous technology, Indian Railways has
approved the provision of Kavach on 631 Route Kilometres (RKm) of East Coast Railway at a cost of
₹270 crore.
The project covers six important railway sections of East Coast Railway, namely Baghuapal–Budhapank,
Haridaspur–Paradeep, Khurda Road (KUR)-Balangir, Naupada-Gunupur, Lanjigarh Road-Junagarh and
Bobbili-Salur.
Expansion of Indigenous Automatic Train Protection System
The sanctioned work forms part of Indian Railways’ larger programme for deployment of Kavach with
LTE-based communication backbone across the railway network. Kavach is India’s indigenously
developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to enhance safety by preventing signal
passing at danger (SPAD), over-speeding and train collisions. The system continuously monitors train
movement and automatically applies brakes whenever required, significantly improving operational
safety.
Enhanced Safety, Speed and Reliability
Installation of Kavach on these routes will help achieve a higher level of safety in train operations by
providing automatic train protection and collision avoidance capabilities. In addition, Kavach enables
safer and more reliable train movement during adverse weather conditions, including dense fog, thereby
improving service reliability and punctuality.
Strengthening Safety Infrastructure Across East Coast Railway
The project is expected to benefit both passenger and freight train operations across key sections of
Odisha and neighbouring regions served by East Coast Railway. It will further strengthen Indian
Railways’ ongoing mission to expand Kavach coverage across high-density and strategically important
routes.
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Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Ritu Raj/ Manik Sharma
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2276561) आगंतुक पटल : 682
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