Indian Railways’ Kavach system is back in the news! The Supreme Court has recently sought detailed information from the Centre regarding the protective measures already in place or proposed to be implemented to prevent train accidents in India, a PTI report said. The focus is on the effectiveness of the ‘Kavach’ automatic train protection system. This development arises in response to a petition addressing safety concerns in the country’s railways.
Immediate Need for ‘Kavach’ System Installation
According to the report, the petition refers to train accidents over the past three decades, expressing dissatisfaction with the authorities’ slow response in developing safety mechanisms. The plea contends that non-implementation of the ‘Kavach‘ system has led to significant loss of life and damage to public property, attributing it to gross negligence and breach of duty by the authorities.
Challenges and the road ahead
While Kavach holds immense promise, its widespread implementation faces certain challenges. The high cost of equipping locomotives and installing trackside units requires significant investment. Additionally, integrating Kavach with the existing signaling infrastructure and training loco pilots to operate the system effectively are crucial aspects that need careful consideration.
Despite these challenges, the Indian government has expressed its commitment to making Kavach the backbone of its railway safety strategy. With continued research and development, coupled with efficient resource allocation, Kavach has the potential to revolutionize India’s railway safety landscape, making train travel safer and more reliable for millions of passengers.