New Delhi, 19 September (H.S.): Indian Railways has approved projects to strengthen rail safety and operational efficiency, including the deployment of ‘Kavach 4.0’ across 607.7 route kilometres in the Lucknow Division of North Eastern Railway and the installation of electronic interlocking systems at seven stations in the Solapur Division of Central Railway. The two projects have a combined cost of Rs 461 crore.

According to the Ministry of Railways, the Railway Board has sanctioned Rs 252 crore for providing Kavach 4.0 across 607.7 route kilometres on the remaining identified sections of the Lucknow Division. The initiative will further strengthen train safety systems on these sections of the division.

Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to enhance safety in railway operations. It alerts the loco pilot in the event of a signal being passed at danger and can automatically apply brakes when required. The system also monitors train operations to help ensure safe movement.

In addition, the Railways has sanctioned Rs 209 crore for the installation of electronic interlocking systems at seven stations in the Solapur Division of Central Railway. The stations are Mohol, Mundhewadi, Bale, Solapur, Hotgi Junction–Hotgi A Cabin, Shahabad and Wadi Junction.

All these stations are located on the High-Density Network (HDN)-7 route, where works related to Kavach, Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) and Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) have also been approved.

Electronic interlocking is a computer-based modern signalling system that replaces conventional relay-based interlocking. It enables more reliable control of points and signals, facilitates faster detection and rectification of faults, and makes maintenance more efficient.

According to the Ministry, the two projects are part of the Railways’ broader efforts to expand the indigenous Kavach system across the rail network, modernise signalling infrastructure, and enhance operational safety and efficiency on high-density railway routes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar