Kavach Approved for 70% of South Central Railway Network

quick Summary

• Kavach ATP System Expansion: The indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, Kavach, has been sanctioned across 4,655 route kilometers (Rkm) of South Central Railway (SCR), covering more than 70% of the network. Upgrades from version 3.2 to 4.0 and new installations are ongoing over 1,400 Rkm and 1,618 Rkm respectively.
• Safety Enhancements:

– Automatic block signaling commissioned for an additional 81 rkm between April-July this fiscal year.
– Interlocking systems being installed at high-traffic level crossing gates; road overbridges and underbridges constructed; three manned LCs eliminated.
– No consequential accidents reported so far in the year due to strict adherence to safety protocols.
– Track renewals covered 283 km with increased speeds over a stretch of 364 km; several speed restrictions removed or relaxed.

• Security Initiatives:

– Rescue operations by Railway Protection Force saved around 800 children.
– CCTV installation in MMTS coaches planned for enhanced passenger security, specifically for women travelers.

• Infrastructure Projects:

– Major doubling/tripling projects such as Kazipet-Vijayawada and Vijayawada-Gudur targeted for completion by FY-end.
– New line projects like Errupalem-Namburu progressing at different stages of implementation.

• Revenue Performance: SCR achieved ₹6,960 crore in gross originating revenue compared to ₹6,894 crore last year. Freight revenue stood at ₹4,601 crore while passenger earnings hit ₹1,990 crore with a total of 96 million passengers carried during the period.
• Sustainability Measures:

– Solar rooftop plants commissioned up to a capacity of 14.5 MWP; electric-powered locomotives save around ₹24.7 crore annually via green initiatives like commissioning “Green Locomotives.”

Indian Opinion Analysis

The extensive use and upgrade of indigenous technologies like Kavach reflect India’s progress toward self-reliance while addressing critical safety needs on rail networks-making railway operations more secure and efficient for millions. Efforts such as higher sectional speeds after track renewal also emphasize improved infrastructure utilization.

Safety remains a key focus area with noteworthy results such as zero consequential accidents this year-a testament to strict protocol adherence. Security upgrades including CCTV cameras further aim at enhancing confidence among passengers.The pursuit of sustainability through solar energy adoption and electrification demonstrates SCR’s alignment with India’s broader clean energy goals while reducing operational costs significantly.

With ongoing infrastructure development projects targeting last-mile connectivity improvements coupled with stable financial performance amid ambitious upgrades suggest promising scalability prospects for SCR-a potential benchmark model within Indian Railways’ zonal divisions.

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