Patna: Indian Railways has expanded its indigenous Kavach 4.0 Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system across key sections of the Delhi-Howrah rail corridor passing through Bihar, a move aimed at strengthening rail safety and improving operational efficiency. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the latest progress while responding to questions in the Lok Sabha.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the expansion is part of a broader nationwide effort to modernise signalling infrastructure and reduce train accidents.
Kavach Commissioned on Bihar-Linked Routes
According to the Railway Minister, Kavach 4.0 has been commissioned across 1,146 route kilometres on the high-density Delhi-Howrah corridor.
The Bihar-linked sections include:
- Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU) – Bhabua Road
- Sasaram – Fesar
- Gaya – Sarmatand – Nimiyaghat
Officials said the system is expected to enhance the safety of mail, express and freight trains operating through the East Central Railway zone.
Nationwide Expansion Underway
The Ministry of Railways said that, as of July 20, 2026, Kavach 4.0 had been commissioned across 2,569 route kilometres, covering parts of the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors.
Installation of trackside Kavach equipment is also underway across 21,858 route kilometres nationwide.
Railway Reports Decline in Major Accidents
According to data shared in Parliament, major train accidents declined from 135 in 2014–15 to 16 in 2025–26.
The Railway Minister said only two major train accidents had been recorded up to June in the 2026–27 financial year.
Other Safety Measures
The Ministry said Indian Railways has also expanded several other safety initiatives, including:
- Electronic interlocking and track circuiting at 6,671 stations
- Interlocking of 10,395 level crossings
- Use of long rail panels and improved-quality rails
- Ultrasonic rail testing
- Expansion of LHB coaches
- Elimination of unmanned level crossings on broad-gauge routes
According to the Ministry, these measures have contributed to a 93% reduction in rail weld failures and a 92% decline in rail fractures compared with 2013–14.
Safety Spending Crosses Rs 1.20 Lakh Crore
The Railway Ministry said annual expenditure on railway safety has increased to more than Rs 1.20 lakh crore.
Officials said continued investment in Kavach, signalling upgrades and track modernisation is expected to improve the safety, reliability and punctuality of train operations, particularly on busy routes passing through Bihar.
