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Automatic train protection system: Rs 223.8 crore Kavach project approved to boost rail safety in West Bengal

Automatic train protection system Kavach: The Ministry of Railways has approved the proposal to install Kavach, an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system over 443 Route km (RKM) across West Bengal.

3 min readJan 18, 2026 02:30 PM IST

Indian Railways approves Kavach deployment across key routes in West Bengal (Image generated using AI)

Kavach railway safety system: The Ministry of Railways has approved the proposal to install Kavach, an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system over 443 Route km (RKM) across West Bengal. The move will significantly enhance passenger safety by preventing train collisions and over-speeding. It will also strengthen safe and reliable train operations across the region.

Kavach railway project in West Bengal

The Kavach installation will be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 223.83 crore. “Eastern Railway has taken a significant step towards strengthening rail safety with the approval of the work for provision of the indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, Kavach, over the balance uncovered section of 443 Route Kilometres on its network, at an estimated cost of Rs. 223.83 crore,” it said.

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Eastern Railway Kavach project

The approved Kavach installation project in West Bengal will cover 15 important sections of the Eastern Railway zone. These are as follows:

Howrah–Santragachi
Liluah–Belur Math
Tarakeswar–Goghat
Maynapur–Bishnupur
Rampurhat–Dumka
Azimganj–Murshidabad
Lakshmikantapur–Namkhana
Kankurgachhi–Ballygunge
Kalyani–Kalyani Simanta
Krishnanagar Junction–Amghata
Krishnanagar City–Lalgola
Murshidabad–Azimganj
Asansol–Burnpur
Barachak–Hirapur
Bakhtar Nagar–Andal

“The work forms part of the larger umbrella project titled “Provision of Kavach with communication backbone of Long-Term Evolution (LTE) on balance routes of Indian Railways (Umbrella Work 2024–25)”, which has been approved under the Works, Machinery & Rolling Stock Programme (Pink Book) 2024–25 at a total cost of Rs. 27,693 crore. Under this umbrella, a sub-umbrella allocation of Rs. 896 crore has been sanctioned for Eastern Railway,” it said.

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Railway Kavach news

Approved by RDSO on July 16, 2024, the Kavach version 4.0 covers all the major features required for the diverse railway network. Major improvement in Version 4.0 includes increased Location Accuracy, Improved Information of Signal Aspects in bigger yards, Station to Station Kavach interface on OFC and Direct Interface to existing Electronic Interlocking System. With these improvements, Kavach Version 4.0. is planned for large scale deployment over Indian Railways.

Anish Mondal

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

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