Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Railways provides an update on the implementation of the indigenously developed Kavach Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system across the Indian Railway network. As of July 14, 2025, significant progress has been made in laying optical fiber cables, installing telecom towers and Kavach systems at stations and in locomotives, and installing trackside equipment. The next phase includes equipping 10,000 locomotives and awarding trackside works for approximately 15,000 RKm, with specialized training programs ongoing for railway personnel.
Key Points / Main Content:
Kavach System Overview:
* Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to aid loco pilots and enhance safety, especially during inclement weather.
* Kavach automatically applies brakes if the loco pilot fails to do so within specified speed limits.
* Kavach was adopted as the National ATP system in July 2020.
* Kavach requires safety certification of highest order SIL4.
Kavach Implementation Activities:
* Installation of Station Kavach at each station and block section.
* Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length.
* Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section.
* Laying of Optical Fibre Cable along the track.
* Provision of Loco Kavach on each Locomotive.
Kavach Version 4.0:
* Kavach specification version 4.0 was approved on July 16, 2024, incorporating improvements from earlier versions.
* Improvements include increased location accuracy, better signal information in large yards, station-to-station Kavach interface on OFC, and direct interface to existing Electronic Interlocking Systems.
Progress as of July 14, 2025:
* Optical Fibre Cable Laying: 5856 Km
* Telecom Tower Installation: 619 Nos.
* Kavach Provision at Stations: 708 Nos.
* Kavach Provision in Locomotives: 1107 Locos
* Trackside Equipment Installation: 4001 Rkm
Next Phase of Implementation:
* Equipping 10,000 Locomotives (69 loco sheds prepared).
* Trackside works for approximately 15,000 RKm awarded (includes some sections of the NorthEast Region), out of which works of 14847 RKm have been awarded.
Training and Costs:
* Over 30,000 technicians, operators, and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology, including 23,612 Loco Pilots/Assistant Loco Pilots.
* Track side equipment costs approximately Rs. 50 Lakhs/Km.
* Locomotive equipment costs approximately Rs. 80 Lakhs/Loco.
Financial Information:
* Funds utilized on Kavach works up to June 2025: Rs. 2015 Crores.
* Fund allocation for 2025-26: Rs. 1673.19 Crores.
Impact Analysis:
Indian Railways:
Impact: Benefits from enhanced safety, reduced accidents, and improved operational efficiency across the network.
Action Required: Continue to deploy Kavach according to the planned phases, monitor progress, and ensure adequate funding and resources are available.
Loco Pilots and Assistant Loco Pilots:
Impact: Requires specialized training to operate trains equipped with Kavach, leading to safer working conditions.
Action Required: Participate in and complete the required training programs to become proficient in operating Kavach-equipped locomotives.
Railway Technicians, Operators, and Engineers:
Impact: Requires training and adaptation to the new Kavach technology for installation, maintenance, and operation.
Action Required: Attend and complete the specialized training programs on Kavach technology.
Passengers:
Impact: Benefits from safer train operations and reduced risk of accidents, leading to increased confidence in railway travel.
Action Required: No direct action required. Benefit from the increased safety measures.
Key Entities Referenced
Kavach: An indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to enhance railway safety by automatically applying brakes if the loco pilot fails to do so and aiding train operation in inclement weather.
Ministry of Railways: The Indian government ministry responsible for the country's railway transport.
SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW: The Minister of Railways, Information Broadcasting and Electronics Information Technology.
Indian Railways: The state-owned railway company of India, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the country's railway network.
North East region: A region of India where Kavach implementation is specifically being tracked.
South Central Railway: A zone of Indian Railways where Kavach version 3.2 was deployed on 1465 RKm for initial experience.
RDSO: Stands for Research Designs and Standards Organisation. It approved Kavach specification version 4.0 on 16.07.2024.
IRISET: Institution where specialized training programs on Kavach are designed in collaboration.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 499
TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2025
IMPLEMENTATION OF KAVACH SYSTEM IN RAILWAYS
499. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:
SHRI ARVIND DHARMAPURI:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) the current status of implementation of the Kavach system
across the Railway network including the total number of
routes and trains covered as of 31st March 2025;
(b) the timeline for complete deployment of Kavach across the
entire Railway network;
(c) the allocation of funds and actual expenditure incurred on
the Kavach project since 2022, year-wise;
(d) the current status of Kavach implementation in the North-
East region of the Country particularly in terms of track
infrastructure, locomotive installations and operational
readiness;
(e) whether the Government is considering specific budgetary
allocations for the deployment of Kavach in the North-East
region;
(f) the total number of loco pilots trained and engines equipped
for operating Kavach system since 2022; and
(g) the specific steps taken/being taken to accelerate the pace
of Kavach deployment on high density routes identified as
most critical for safety?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
*****
--2/--2-
(a) to (g): -
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 trains 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.
4. 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.
b. Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length.
c. Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section.
d. 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, a 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.
--3/--3-
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
yards, 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 14.07.2025 is as under: -
SN Items Progress
Laying of Optical Fibre
i 5856 Km
Cable
Installation of Telecom
ii 619 Nos.
Towers
Provision of Kavach at
iii 708 Nos.
Stations
iv Provision of Kavach in Loco 1107 Locos
Installation of Track side
v 4001 Rkm
equipment
10. Next phase of Kavach implementation is planned as under:-
a. Project for equipping 10,000 Locomotives has been
finalized. 69 number of loco sheds have been prepared for
equipping with Kavach.
--4/--4-
b. Bids for track side Works of Kavach for approximately
15,000 RKm have been invited covering all GQ, GD, HDN and
identified sections of Indian Railways, out of which works of
14847 RKm have been awarded in which some of the
sections of North-East Region are also included.
11. Specialized training programmes on Kavach are being
conducted at centralized training institutes of Indian Railways
to impart training to all concerned officials. By now more than
30,000 technicians, operators and engineers have been trained
on Kavach technology. This includes 23,612 Loco Pilots &
Assistant Loco Pilots. Courses have been designed in
collaboration with IRISET.
12. 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 locomotives is
approximately Rs. 80 Lakh/Loco.
13. The funds utilized on Kavach works so far up to June'25 is Rs.
2015 Crores. The allocation of funds during the year 2025-26 is
Rs. 1673.19 Crores. Requisite funds are made available as per
the progress of works.
*****