New Delhi: Indian Railways has approved the installation of the Kavach train safety system across 631 route kilometres of the East Coast Railway network.
The project, estimated to cost ₹270 crore, will cover six railway sections in Odisha and nearby regions.
The Ministry of Railways announced the approval on June 22. Passenger and freight trains use these routes, making the planned safety upgrade relevant for both travellers and goods movement.
Which railway routes will get Kavach?
The newly approved project will cover these six sections:
- Baghuapal to Budhapank
- Haridaspur to Paradeep
- Khurda Road to Balangir
- Naupada to Gunupur
- Lanjigarh Road to Junagarh
- Bobbili to Salur
The work forms part of the wider Kavach expansion across the Indian Railways network. The system will use an LTE-based communication network to exchange information between trains and railway equipment.
What is Kavach and how does it work?
Kavach is an automatic train protection system developed in India. It tracks a train’s speed, position and signals along its route.
If a train driver crosses a red signal or travels faster than the permitted speed, Kavach can warn the driver. It can automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond in time.
The system is built to reduce the risk of:
- Trains crossing red signals
- Overspeeding
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
Kavach shares signalling information and train location through a radio link. Equipment installed inside the locomotive communicates with units placed at stations and along the railway track.
Can Kavach help during fog?
Dense fog can make railway signals difficult for drivers to see. Kavach provides signal and speed information inside the locomotive, which can support safer movement during poor visibility.
The system can help train drivers follow speed limits and stop before danger points. Indian Railways expects the technology to improve safety, reliability and punctuality on the selected routes.
Kavach had covered more than 3,100 route kilometres across India by April 2026, according to government data. Work was under way across another 24,400 route kilometres.
