Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has instructed officials to develop a national strategy for constructing subways near railway lines, particularly in residential areas, to enhance safety and prevent accidents. This initiative aims to decrease mishaps and offer secure crossing alternatives for individuals residing close to rail tracks.
The plan, as per the Railway Ministry, intends to encompass all residential regions adjacent to railway lines throughout the country within the next five to six years. Officials are tasked with designing these subways in a manner that promotes comfortable usage by the public. Furthermore, the minister stressed the importance of constructing these structures to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon season, a common issue that deters their utilization.
The ministry disclosed that these subways will be built to minimize disruption to train services, with installations slated for completion within a brief timeframe of approximately 12 hours of traffic blockage. In addition to safety infrastructure, Vaishnaw also evaluated the progress of Kavach, the domestically developed Automatic Train Protection system of Indian Railways, during the meeting. The focus was on expediting its implementation and leveraging advanced technology to enhance train operations.
Indian Railways has introduced various enhancements in Kavach, including a Universal Braking Algorithm that standardizes braking mechanisms across diverse manufacturers. Upgrades in software, incorporation of artificial intelligence in design, and improved integration with locomotives and signaling systems are enhancing the system’s reliability. A centralized monitoring platform named SURAKSHA is also in the works to facilitate real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of Kavach installations.
To date, Kavach has been deployed on over 3,100 route kilometers, with ongoing work on more than 24,000 route kilometers, encompassing busy corridors. Notable routes like Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah have witnessed substantial advancements, with further expansion initiatives in progress. The system has been integrated into thousands of locomotives, with additional installations underway, as Indian Railways continues to fortify safety and efficiency across its network.
