The recent train collisions have raised concerns about the Kavach system on the railways in Telangana. Currently, only 25% of the rail network in the state is covered by the automated train protection system. This system, known as Kavach, is deployed across 1,465 route kilometers in the South Central Railways (SCR) zone.
In Telangana, Kavach covers 555 route kilometers, leaving sections like Secunderabad-Raichur and Vijayawada-Kazipet-Balharshah unprotected. Plans are in place to extend Kavach to other zones gradually. Additionally, the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system has been installed in 159 locomotives and 136 stations.
Railway analysts have highlighted the need for expanding Kavach coverage in Telangana to ensure the safety of all sections. The Vijayawada-Balharshah route, a critical section with high train traffic, is among those that still lack Kavach protection.
There is also a shortage of manpower for handling the Kavach system, with approximately 15,000 vacant posts across the SCR limits. K Sivakumar from the All India Retired Railwaymen’s Federation emphasized the importance of filling these positions to prevent disruptions in train operations and ensure safety on the railway network.
