NEWS

• South Western Railway (SWR) has approved the implementation of Kavach, India’s indigenous automatic train protection system, across its 3,692 route km (RKM) network.
• The rollout will be in two phases:
  • Phase I: 1,568 RKM at ₹628.63 crore.
  • Phase II: Remaining 2,124 RKM.

HIGHLIGHTS

Features of Kavach

• “Kavach” (Hindi for shield) is a collision-avoidance system.
• Functions:
  • Prevents head-on and rear-end collisions.
  • Applies brakes automatically if loco pilot overspeeds or violates signals.

Implementation Progress

• Phase I:
  • Survey & installation awarded (Feb 2025) to IRP Infra Tech Pvt Ltd, cost: ₹63.27 crore; completion by Aug 2026.
  • Hubballi & Mysuru divisions (790 RKM): Contract to RVNL-GEW JV at ₹261.88 crore.
  • Bengaluru & Mysuru divisions (778 RKM): Contract to IRCON International, cost: ₹253.56 crore.
• Phase II:
  • Approved in Jan 2025; estimates sanctioned for Bengaluru division (456 RKM, ₹270.70 crore).
  • Remaining: Hubballi (862 RKM, ₹459.41 crore) & Mysuru (806 RKM, ₹436.39 crore) under vetting.
• Additionally, 299 locomotives to be equipped with Loco Kavach.

Electrification Update

• SWR network 90% electrified: 3,303.415 RKM covered.
• Savings: ₹887.41 crore in 3 years due to diesel-to-electric shift.
• Currently, 147 trains run on electric traction.
• Constraint: Issues with transmission lines from substations.

Future Plans

• Bengaluru–Mangaluru line (309 km) almost fully electrified; Vande Bharat Express planned post completion.

Revenue Trends

• Passenger revenue (Apr–Jul 2025): ₹1,063.39 crore, down 1.32% vs previous year.
• Reasons: Reduced reservation period, Karnataka’s Shakti scheme (free bus travel for women), and conversion of express trains.
• However, highest-ever monthly earnings of ₹286.34 crore achieved.