RailTel has secured a prestigious contract valued at ₹264 crore to deploy the indigenous Kavach Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) over a 607 km stretch of East Central Railway. The rollout is slated for completion by 14 July 2027, bolstering safety across low-density track corridors. In addition to this, RailTel has amassed over ₹130 crore in new orders during July, signaling robust momentum in its railway engagements. The East Central Railway commission underscores its dedication to rail safety, mandating Kavach’s implementation on its network segments.
Kavach is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) mechanism engineered to monitor and regulate train speeds, enforce signal compliance, and prevent collisions. The system activates emergency braking when trains exceed speed limits or breach signal directives. Delivered through track-side and on-board radio-frequency communication, Kavach agents continuously liaise with interlocking systems and driver consoles, ensuring proactive interventions and a vital enhancement to operational safety. RailTel, collaborating with East Central Railway, aims to equip this section with track-side beacons, train-mounted transmitters and a central control interface. Experts within the Ministry of Railways have underlined Kavach’s transformative potential in intervention-based safety solutions—complementing existing track signalling and centralised traffic control.
This deployment dovetails with India’s broader rail electrification and decarbonisation ambitions. Given Kavach’s digital and automated design, it aligns with eco‑conscious objectives by minimising infrastructure footprint, reducing manual oversight and supporting electric rail corridors. RailTel officials emphasise that Kavach infrastructure installation uses modular components and reusable materials—consistent with zero net‑carbon principles. Additionally, the system’s ability to prevent emergency stops and derail ancillary disruptions enhances operational efficiency, thus optimising energy use and lowering carbon emissions. RailTel, already involved in several rail safety and connectivity projects, will boost its technological portfolio. The East Central Railway corridor covers regions of Bihar and Bengal; once completed, this deployment will expand Kavach’s presence across the Indian Railways network, reinforcing safety in freight and passenger operations.
This latest contract follows a progression of Kavach assignments across the Western, Central and Eastern Railway zones. According to senior railway technologists, the system’s adaptability—used in both heavy‑density and low‑density segments—demonstrates its scalability across diverse routes. Experts caution that Indian Railways must ensure timely deployment by July 2027. Effective installation depends on close coordination among RailTel, zonal railway engineers, contractors, and rolling-stock divisions. Delays or misalignments may compromise safety timelines. Moreover, to maintain cost‑effectiveness, end-to-end integration of on-board units, track-side components, and control room upgrades must undergo stringent quality checks.
Deploying Kavach is expected to generate employment opportunities within East Central Railway’s jurisdiction, from civil contractors to technology experts and operational staff. Technicians will require specialised training—a positive move toward bridging skill gaps in regional rail sectors. RailTel’s ₹264 crore contract marks a significant step in operational safety and sustainable modernization of rail infrastructure. Kavach’s deployment over 607 km is not just a technological upgrade but a strategic pivot towards safer, environmentally responsible rail transport. Successful completion could pave the way for similar contracts nationwide, aligning with India’s vision of an advanced, zero‑carbon rail system.
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