Industry Odisha Bureau, Sep 20: Indian Railways has approved Kavach 4.0 for 607.7 route kilometres. Approvals also cover signalling, traction and a road overbridge across several divisions.
The Railway Ministry has approved Kavach Version 4.0 for 607.7 route kilometres. The deployment covers the Lucknow Division of North Eastern Railway. The estimated cost is ₹252 crore. It leads a set of Indian Railways projects on safety and capacity.
Kavach 4.0 Expands Across Lucknow Division
Kavach is an indigenous automatic train protection system. It is designed to help prevent collisions. It also targets trains overshooting red signals. It can apply brakes automatically when required. It also assists in monitoring train movements.
The ministry says the project covers the remaining identified sections of the division. Kavach is intended to reduce collision risks. It does not guarantee accident-free operations.
Electronic Interlocking Strengthens Signalling
The ministry has also approved Electronic Interlocking at seven stations. They lie in the Solapur Division of Central Railway. The approved cost is ₹209 crore.
Electronic Interlocking uses computer-based technology. It controls signals and railway points. Its purpose is to prevent conflicting train movements. Officials say it will also facilitate Kavach deployment.
The two systems are distinct. Interlocking manages signals and permitted routes. Kavach protects trains on the move.
Traction Upgrade Targets Network Capacity
Another approval covers the Savalyapuram-Guntur section of South Coast Railway. The electric traction system will move from 1×25 kV to 2×25 kV. The approved cost is ₹142 crore.
The section spans 73 route kilometres. It covers 146 track kilometres. The ministry says the upgrade will strengthen traction infrastructure. It is meant to support growing railway operations.
This is a capacity project. It is not a signalling or train-protection measure.
Four-Lane ROB Separates Road and Rail Traffic
The ministry has approved a four-lane road overbridge in Gujarat. It will replace Level Crossing No. 53 at Km 62/2-4. The location is on the Udhna-Ukai Songadh section of Western Railway.
The project will cost ₹133.2295 crore. The state government will share the cost. The ministry says it will ease road traffic. It should also reduce interference with railway operations.
Indian Railways Builds Multiple Safety Layers
The four approvals serve different functions. Kavach protects train movements. Electronic Interlocking strengthens signalling control. The traction upgrade supports electrical capacity. The overbridge separates road and rail traffic.
No single system guarantees safety. Railway safety depends on several layers working together. The ministry has not presented the projects as one programme.
Focus Stays on Safety and Capacity
The approvals span safety, signalling, traction and road connectivity. Together, they address several needs of railway infrastructure. Their common aim is safer journeys and higher operational capacity.
