Indian Railways has approved funding of Rs 223 crore to deploy Kavach Version 4.0, an indigenous automatic train protection system, across 614.75 route kilometres in the Varanasi division of North Eastern Railway. The investment will extend safety coverage across remaining sections of the division not yet equipped with the technology.
Key facts
- Cost: Rs 223 crore
- Route kilometres to be covered: 614.75 km
- Division: Varanasi (BSB) of North Eastern Railway
- Technology: Kavach Version 4.0 (Automatic Train Protection system)
- Approval date: September 2026
What is Kavach 4.0?
Kavach is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system developed within India rather than imported from abroad. It works as a safety layer that prevents trains from passing red signals, a critical accident risk. When a train approaches a signal showing danger, Kavach automatically activates the brakes without waiting for the driver to react. The system continuously monitors train operations to ensure safer movement along the track.
How does Kavach improve railway safety?
The primary hazard Kavach addresses is Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD), an event where a train crosses a red signal. This is a leading cause of train collisions and accidents on Indian Railways. By automatically applying brakes when a train approaches a danger signal, Kavach removes the possibility of human error or delayed reaction. The system provides real-time monitoring of train movement, creating an additional safety net beyond the manual control of drivers.
Why Varanasi division?
The Varanasi division of North Eastern Railway operates a significant stretch of rail network. This approval extends Kavach 4.0 to the balance sections of the division, meaning parts of the network not yet equipped with the system. The 614.75 kilometres represents these remaining sections where the technology will now be installed.
What this means for you
Passengers travelling on trains operated by Varanasi division will benefit from enhanced safety infrastructure. The automatic train protection system reduces the risk of signal-related accidents, making rail travel safer. The deployment of indigenous technology also supports Indian Railways’ goal of self-reliance, reducing dependence on imported safety systems and supporting domestic technology development.
For railway workers and train operators, Kavach provides a safeguard against operational errors, reducing pressure on manual systems and supporting safer working conditions. The initiative signals Indian Railways’ commitment to modernising its safety infrastructure across the network using homegrown solutions.
Broader railway safety strategy
This approval is part of Indian Railways’ larger effort to expand Kavach deployment across its entire network. By choosing to invest in an indigenously developed system, the ministry supports domestic innovation in railway technology while strengthening safety standards. As Kavach coverage expands, more sections of track gain this automatic protection layer, progressively improving the safety profile of the railway system.