Kavach expansion: Railways floats tenders worth over ₹2,200 crore
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 12)
| Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure – Railways |
| Context |
| ● Indian Railways has initiated tenders worth over ₹2,200 crore for the installation of the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system across 7,228 route kilometres.
● The move aims to enhance safety by preventing collisions on high-density routes. |
Kavach System – Overview
- Indigenous Automatic Train Protection System: Developed by Indian Railways to prevent collisions and enhance safety.
Key Components:
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): Installed on tracks and wireless devices to ensure real-time communication.
- RFID Readers: Located in the locomotive’s cabin, assisting in train control.
- Radio Infrastructure: Includes towers and modems placed at railway stations.
- Cabin Instrument Panels: Displays signal aspects and speed limits to drivers for safer operation.
Features:
- Automatic Brakes: Applied when red signals are ignored, preventing collisions.
- Onboard Display: Provides signal aspects and safety information, aiding operation in low visibility.
Deployment:
- Coverage: Set to cover 7,228 route kilometres, with tenders floated for ₹2,200 crore.
- Current Progress: Installation ongoing across 3,000 route kilometres, with plans for 9,000 kilometres by year-end.
| Practice Question: Discuss the significance of train safety measures in India with a focus on the Kavach system. How does it contribute to accident prevention and efficient railway operations? (250 Words /15 marks) |
