On 10 July 2026 Indian Railways approved a ₹206-crore project to deploy Kavach Version 4.0 across 680 route kilometres of Northern Railway covering Rewari–Delhi and Shakurbasti–Bathinda sections, including feeder branch lines under the Delhi Division.
System overview
- Definition: Kavach is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to prevent Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) incidents and train collisions.
- Regulatory status: Kavach Version 4.0 received approval from the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in July 2024.
Technical features
- Positioning & accuracy: Improved train positioning and enhanced location accuracy for onboard and trackside units.
- Signalling integration: Closer interfacing with lineside signalling to enforce movement authority and automatic braking for SPAD prevention.
- Communications: Faster train–ground communication for real‑time control and monitoring.
- Operational capability: Designed to permit operation at maximum permissible speeds in adverse weather, including dense fog.
Deployment & coverage
- Approved project (10 Jul 2026): ₹206 crore for 680 route km on Northern Railway (Rewari–Delhi, Shakurbasti–Bathinda and feeder lines).
- Commissioned network (8 Jul 2026): Lok Sabha was informed that Kavach 4.0 is commissioned on 1,452 route km on Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah corridors.
- Rollout priority: Targeted at high‑density and strategic rail corridors nationwide.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- ATP function: ATP enforces speed limits and movement authority to reduce human‑error accidents.
- Implementing authority: RDSO sets specifications and issues type approval; Indian Railways executes deployment.
- Unit cost indicator: ₹206 crore for 680 km ≈ ₹30.3 lakh per route kilometre.