The
Indian Railways has once again missed its scheduled deadline for the installation of the
indigenous automatic train protection system, Kavach 4.0, on some of the country’s busiest rail routes. The second deadline, set for
December 2025, was not met for the
Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata routes, raising questions about the pace of implementation.
About Kavach 4.0
Kavach 4.0 is an
advanced automatic train protection system designed to enhance railway safety across India. Its key features include:
Automatic braking to prevent collisions
Speed regulation to avoid derailments
Train-to-train communication for better coordination
Real-time monitoring to ensure adherence to safety protocolsThe system has been developed
indigenously and is considered a critical upgrade for the
modernization and safety enhancement of indian Railways.
Reasons for Delay
Officials cited multiple factors for missing the deadline:
Technical challenges in integrating the system on busy routes
Infrastructure limitations and ongoing maintenance workThe need for
thorough testing to ensure safety and reliabilityWhile the exact reasons are under review, the railways have assured that
implementation will likely take place in 2026 after completing the necessary trials and resolving technical issues.
Impact of Delay
The delay in Kavach 4.0 installation has several implications:Potential safety risks remain on
high-traffic rail routesPassengers may experience
delays in modernization benefitsOperational efficiency may be affected due to the lack of
automated train control systemsRailways’ Commitment
Despite the delay, indian Railways has reiterated its commitment to
full-scale implementation. Officials have stated that:Prioritizing
passenger safety is paramountKavach 4.0 will undergo
rigorous testing before deploymentOnce installed, it will significantly
reduce human error-related accidentsConclusion
The missed deadlines for the
Kavach 4.0 system on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata routes highlight the challenges of implementing cutting-edge technology in a large and busy rail network. However, with
full deployment expected in 2026, passengers can look forward to a
safer and more modern railway experience in the near future.
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