**Executive Summary**
This document is the Ministry of Railways' response to unstarred questions in the Lok Sabha regarding the deployment of Kavach on priority corridors, to be answered on February 11, 2026. It details measures taken to enhance safety, including progress on Kavach implementation and the associated financial investments.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Railway Safety Improvements:**
* There has been a significant decline in the number of consequential train accidents between 2014-15 and 2025-26. The number of accidents decreased by 90%, and the accident index decreased by 73%.
* Expenditure on safety-related activities has increased.
* Various safety measures have been implemented, including electronic interlocking systems, interlocking of level crossing gates, complete track circuiting, and the use of modern track structures.
* **Kavach Implementation:**
* Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.
* Key implementation activities include installation of Station Kavach, RFID tags, telecom towers, optical fiber cable, and Loco Kavach.
* Kavach version 4.0 has been approved and commissioned on 1297 Route Kilometres on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes.
* Track side Kavach implementation work is underway on 23,360 RKM.
* Tenders are finalized for equipping locomotives with Kavach.
* Specialized training programs are being conducted for railway officials.
* The cost of Track Side Kavach provision is approximately Rs. 50 Lakhs/Km, and the cost of Kavach equipment on locomotives is approximately Rs. 80 Lakh/Loco.
* Funds utilized on Kavach works so far (up to Dec'25) amount to Rs. 2,573.36 Crores. The allocation for 2025-26 is Rs. 1673.19 Crores.
* **Technological Improvements:**
* Increased use of high-quality rails and longer rail panels.
* Increased electronic interlocking.
* Increased Fog Pass Safety Devices.
* Use of Thick Web Switches.
* **Better Maintenance Practices:**
* Increase in Primary Rail Renewal.
* Increase in USFD (Ultra Sonic Flaw detection) Testing of Welds.
* **Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock:**
* New Track KM has been added.
* Increased Flyovers (RoBs)/Underpasses (RUBs).
* Unmanned Level crossings were eliminated.
* Increase in Manufacture of LHB Coaches.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Railway Passengers**
**Impact:** Increased safety and reduced risk of accidents due to the implementation of Kavach and other safety measures.
**Action Required:** Be aware of safety measures and comply with railway safety guidelines.
**Stakeholder: Loco Pilots and Train Crew**
**Impact:** Enhanced support in train operations, especially in adverse weather conditions, through Kavach and other technological aids.
**Action Required:** Participate in specialized training programs on Kavach and adhere to safety protocols.
**Stakeholder: Indian Railways Staff (Technicians, Operators, Engineers)**
**Impact:** Requirement for specialized training and adaptation to new technologies and safety procedures.
**Action Required:** Participate in specialized training programs on Kavach and implement new safety procedures effectively.
**Stakeholder: Government of India/Ministry of Railways**
**Impact:** Enhanced railway safety, improved infrastructure, and the need for sustained financial investment in safety measures.
**Action Required:** Continue funding and overseeing the implementation of Kavach and other safety initiatives.
Key Entities Referenced
Kavach: An indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system by Indian Railways.
Indian Railways: The primary railway operator in India, responsible for the implementation of Kavach and other safety measures.
RDSO: The Research Designs and Standards Organisation, which approved Kavach specification version 4.0.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2030
TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026
KAVACH DEPLOYMENT ON PRIORITY CORRIDORS
2030. SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) whether if is a fact that aggressive targets are announced repeatedly
without matching ground-level capacity, resources, or timelines for
Kavach deployment on priority corridors and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government acknowledges that repeated deadline shifts
indicate systemic issues in procurement, testing or coordination and if
so, the details thereof including structural reforms being implemented
and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has ensured adequate funding and skilled
manpower for Kavach installation and if so, the details thereof including
financial and technical constraints, if any;
(d) whether the Government will disclose route-wise and zone-wise Kavach
installation status to Parliament, instead of providing broad assurances
without transparent progress metrics and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether the Government acknowledges that frequent accidents and
near-misses make delays in Kavach installation unacceptable and if so,
the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (e): Safety is accorded the highest priority on Indian Railways. As a
consequence of various safety measures taken over the years, there has
been a steep decline in the number of accidents.
Number of Consequential Train Accidents has reduced as shown in the
table below:-
--2/-
§-2-
Year Consequential Accidents
2014-15 135
2025-26 (upto 31.01.2026) 12 (90% lesser)
Another important index showing improvement in safety in train operations
is Consequential Accidents Index, the details of which are as under:-
Consequential Accident Index:-
Year Accident Index
2014-15 0.11
2024-25 0.03 (73% lesser)
This index measures number of consequential accidents as a ratio of total
running Kilometers of all trains.
Accident Index =
234
165
135
55
31
12
2005-06 2009-10 2014-15 2019-20 2024-25 2025-26
(upto Jan)
The various safety measures taken to enhance safety in train operations are
as under:-
--3/-
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laitneuqesnoC
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.oN
No. of consequential accidents
No. of trains X million kilometers run-3-
1. On Indian Railways, the expenditure on Safety related activities has
increased over the years as under:-
Expenditure/Budget on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)
2013-14 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26
39,200 87,336 1,01,662 1,14,022 1,17,693
2. Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation of
points and signals have been provided at 6,660 stations up to
31.12.2025 to reduce accidents due to human failure.
3. Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates has been provided at 10,097
Level Crossing Gates up to 31.12.2025 for enhancing safety at LC Gates.
4. Complete Track Circuiting of stations to enhance safety by verification
of track occupancy by electrical means has been provided at 6,665
stations up to 31.12.2025.
5. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Signalling, e.g.
mandatory correspondence check, alteration work protocol, preparation
of completion drawing, etc. have been issued.
6. System of disconnection and reconnection for S&T equipment as per
protocol has been re-emphasized.
7. All locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCD) to
improve alertness of Loco Pilots.
8. Retro-reflective sigma boards are provided on the mast which is located
two OHE masts prior to the signals in electrified territories to alert the
crew about the signal ahead when visibility is low due to foggy weather.
9. A GPS based Fog Safety Device (FSD) is provided to loco pilots in fog
affected areas which enables loco pilots to know the distance of the
approaching landmarks like signals, level crossing gates, etc.
10. Modern track structure consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength
(UTS) rails, Prestressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC) Normal/Wide base
sleepers with elastic fastening, fan shaped layout turnout on PSC
sleepers, Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges is used while
carrying out primary track renewals.
11. Mechanisation of track laying activity through use of track machines
like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc. to reduce human errors.
--4/--4-
12. Maximizing supply of 130m/260m long rail panels for increasing
progress of rail renewal and avoiding welding of joints, thereby
improving safety.
13. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and
timely removal of defective rails.
14. Laying of longer rails, minimizing the use of Alumino Thermic Welding
and adoption of better welding technology for rails i.e., Flash Butt
Welding.
15. Monitoring of track geometry by OMS (Oscillation Monitoring System)
and TRC (Track Recording Cars).
16. Patrolling of railway tracks to look out for weld/rail fractures.
17. The use of Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossing in turnout
renewal works.
18. Inspections at regular intervals are carried out to monitor and educate
staff for observance of safe practices.
19. Web based online monitoring system of track assets viz. Track database
and decision support system has been adopted to decide rationalized
maintenance requirement and optimize inputs.
20. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Track, e.g.
integrated block, corridor block, worksite safety, monsoon precautions,
etc. have been issued.
21. Preventive maintenance of railway assets (Coaches & Wagons) is
undertaken to ensure safe train operations.
22. Replacement of conventional ICF design coaches with LHB design
coaches is being done.
23. All unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) route have
been eliminated by January 2019.
24. Safety of Railway Bridges is ensured through regular inspection of
Bridges. The requirement of repair/rehabilitation of Bridges is taken up
based upon the conditions assessed during these inspections.
25. Indian Railways has displayed Statutory “Fire Notices” for widespread
passenger information in all coaches. Fire posters are provided in every
coach so as to educate and alert passengers regarding various Do’s and
Don’ts to prevent fire. These include messages regarding not carrying
any inflammable material, explosives, prohibition of smoking inside the
coaches, penalties etc.
26. Production Units are providing Fire detection and suppression system in
--5/--5-
newly manufactured Power Cars and Pantry Cars, Fire and Smoke
detection system in newly manufactured coaches. Progressive fitment
of the same in existing coaches is also underway by Zonal Railways in a
phased manner.
27. Regular counselling and training of staff is undertaken.
28. Concept of Rolling Block introduced in Indian Railways (Open Lines)
General Rules vide Gazette notification dated 30.11.2023, wherein work
of integrated maintenance/ repair/replacement of assets is planned up
to 52 weeks in advance on rolling basis and executed as per plan.
The details of the Safety related works related to better maintenance
practices, Technological improvements, better infrastructure and rolling
stock etc. undertaken by Railways are tabulated below:-
2004-05 to 2014-15 to 2014-25 Vs.
S.N. Item
2013-14 2024-25 2004-14
Technological Improvements
1. Use of high-quality 57,450 Km 1.43 Lakh Km More than 2
rails times
(60 Kg) (Km)
2. Longer Rail Panels 9,917 Km 77,522 Km Nearly 8
(260m) (Km) times
3. Electronic 837 3,691 Stations More than 4
Interlocking (Stations) Stations times
4. Fog Pass Safety As on As on 31.03.25: 288 times
Devices (Nos.) 31.03.14: 25,939 Nos.
90 Nos.
5. Thick Web Switches Nil 28,301 Nos.
(Nos.)
Better Maintenance Practices
1. Primary Rail Renewal 32,260 Km 49,941 Km 1.5 times
(Track Km)
2. USFD (Ultra Sonic 79.43 Lakh 2 Crore More than 2
Flaw detection) times
Testing of Welds
(Nos.)
--6/--6-
3. Weld failures (Nos.) In 2013-14: In 2024-25: 90 %
3699 Nos. 370 Nos. reduction
4. Rail fractures (Nos.) In 2013-14: In 2024-25: More than
2548 Nos. 289 Nos. 88%
reduction
Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock
1. New Track KM added 14,985 Km 34,428 Km More than 2
(Track Km) times
2. Flyovers 4,148 Nos. 13,808 Nos. More than 3
(RoBs)/Underpasses times
(RUBs) (Nos.)
3. Unmanned Level As on As on Removed
crossings 31.03.14: 31.03.24:Nil
(Nos.) on BG 8,948 (All eliminated
by 31.01.19)
4. Manufacture of LHB 2,337 Nos. 42,677 More than 18
Coaches (Nos.) times
Implementation of Kavach:
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.
--7/--7-
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 and experience gained, further improvements were
made. Finally, Kavach specification version 4.0 was approved by RDSO
on 16.07.2024.
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. After extensive and elaborate trials, Kavach Version 4.0 has been
successfully commissioned on 1297 Route Kilometres, covering the
high density Delhi - Mumbai and Delhi – Howrah routes. On the Delhi –
Mumbai route Kavach ver 4.0 has been commissioned on Junction
cabin – Palwal – Mathura – Nagda section (667 Rkm) & Ahmedabad –
Vadodara – Virar section (432 Rkm) and on the Delhi – Howrah route on
Gaya – Saramatanr (93 Rkm) and Bardhaman - Howrah section (105
Rkm).
10. Further, track side Kavach implementation work has been taken up on
23,360 RKM covering all GQ, GD, HDN and identified sections of Indian
Railways.
11. Progress of key items of Kavach on High density routes including
Delhi– Mumbai & Delhi– Howrah corridors are as under:
--8/--8-
S N Item Progress
i Laying of Optical Fibre Cable 8570 Km
ii Installation of Telecom 938 nos
Towers
iii Station Data Centre 767 station
iv Installation of Track side 5672 RKm
equipment
v Provision of Kavach in Loco 4154
12. Tender has been finalised for equipping 6,300 Electric Locomotives
with Kavach version 4.0 and another tender for equipping 2,679 Diesel
Locomotives is under finalisation.
13. 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 48,000 technicians,
operators and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology. This
includes about 45,000 Loco Pilots & Assistant Loco Pilots. Courses
have been designed in collaboration with IRISET.
14. 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.
15. The funds utilized on Kavach works so far up to Dec'25 is Rs. 2,573.36
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.
*****