IRCON bags ₹1,944 crore Rail Safety Contract for Kavach implementation in Indian Railways

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant boost to railway safety infrastructure, Ircon International Limited (IRCON) has been awarded a major contract by Central Railway for the deployment of the Kavach Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. The contract, valued at approximately ₹1,944 crore, involves the survey, design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of 665 towers, along with associated works. The project is set for completion within 14 months from the issuance of the Letter of Acceptance (LOA).

Kavach: Enhancing Railway Safety with Cutting-Edge Technology

Kavach is an indigenously developed ATP system designed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with the Indian railway industry. The system has been extensively tested by South Central Railway and meets Safety Integrity Level-4 (SIL-4) standards, ensuring high reliability and minimal error probability (1 in 10,000 years).

The key functions of Kavach include:

• Automatic Braking: Prevents trains from passing a red signal and activates emergency braking if the driver fails to respond to speed restrictions.
• Collision Avoidance: Prevents head-on collisions between locomotives equipped with the system.
• Emergency Communication: Facilitates real-time SoS messaging for operational safety.
• Live Train Monitoring: Enables centralized, real-time tracking of train movements through a Network Monitor System.

Advancements in Kavach Technology

The first field trials of Kavach on passenger trains began in 2016, and the system was formally adopted as India's National ATP System in July 2020. Since then, significant improvements have been made:

• Version 4.0, approved in July 2024, enhances location accuracy, improves signal aspect information, and integrates directly with electronic interlocking systems.
• Large-scale deployment has commenced, covering major railway corridors, including the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah sections (3,000 RKm).
• Key infrastructure progress as of October 2024:
  • Optical Fibre Cable: 4,960 km laid
  • Telecom Towers: 378 installed
  • Kavach at Stations: 381 implemented
  • Locomotives Equipped: 482
  • Trackside Equipment Installed: 1,948 RKm

Future Deployment Plans

The next phase of Kavach implementation includes:

• Equipping 10,000 locomotives with Kavach technology.
• Expanding trackside coverage to 15,000 RKm, with bidding completed for 9,000 RKm.
• Increasing the number of approved OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to accelerate production and installation.

Investment and Training

The total investment in the Kavach project so far stands at ₹1,547 crore, with an additional allocation of ₹1,112.57 crore for 2024-25. The system is being integrated into India’s railway network with rigorous training programs—over 9,000 railway technicians, operators, and engineers have already been trained through specialized courses at IRISET and other central railway institutes.

Economic and Safety Impact

Kavach is not only one of the most affordable SIL-4-certified railway safety systems in the world but also a crucial step in modernizing Indian Railways. The estimated cost per kilometer for trackside installation is ₹50 lakh, while equipping each locomotive costs around ₹80 lakh. By significantly reducing the risk of human error, Kavach is set to revolutionize railway safety across India, ensuring smoother, safer, and more efficient train operations.

With IRCON leading this latest contract, the accelerated deployment of Kavach marks a major milestone in India’s journey toward world-class railway infrastructure.