BJP and Congress share responsibility for underutilization of Kavach Technology in Indian Rail Network, contributing to the recent Odisha Train Tragedy
In a tragic incident, the Yeswantpur-Howrah Superfast train collided with wreckage, leading to devastating consequences. However, this disaster could have potentially been prevented if the Kavach Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) had been widely implemented. Shockingly, despite its proven effectiveness, Kavach covers only a mere 2% of India’s expansive rail track network.
The Kavach TCAS serves as a remarkable safety measure by automatically activating the brakes when it detects an imminent collision between two trains. By swiftly halting the trains at a safe distance, this technology has the potential to save numerous lives and prevent catastrophic accidents. However, its limited coverage across the rail network leaves a significant portion of the tracks vulnerable to potential disasters.
The recent incident in Odisha serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to expand the implementation of Kavach throughout India’s rail infrastructure. The introduction of this advanced system has the potential to revolutionize railway safety, ensuring the protection of both passengers and railway staff alike.
It is crucial for authorities and policymakers to recognize the significance of Kavach and take swift action to enhance its deployment. By increasing the coverage of this life-saving technology, India can significantly reduce the risks associated with train collisions and create a safer and more secure railway network for its citizens. The time to prioritize the implementation of Kavach across the country is now, as every life lost due to preventable accidents is one too many.
BJP and Congress Share Responsibility
The recent train tragedy in Odisha, which could have potentially been avoided with the implementation of the Kavach Technology, highlights the shared responsibility of both the present ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the previous ruling Congress party for the underutilization of this life-saving system in the Indian rail network.
The Kavach Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) has long been recognized as a potential game-changer in preventing train collisions. However, despite its proven effectiveness, only a mere 2% of India’s rail track network is covered by Kavach. This lack of progress can be attributed to the inaction and negligence of both the BJP and the Congress party during their respective tenures.
Under the previous Congress-led government, although the concept of Kavach was introduced, its implementation remained limited. Despite recognizing the potential of this technology, the Congress party failed to allocate adequate resources and prioritize its deployment in the Indian rail network. This lack of commitment hindered the progress of Kavach, leaving a substantial portion of the tracks vulnerable to accidents.
Similarly, the current BJP-led government, despite their promises of prioritizing safety in the railway sector, has also fallen short in effectively implementing Kavach. While there have been sporadic efforts to expand the coverage of this life-saving system, the progress has been slow and insufficient. The recent tragedy in Odisha serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of this neglect.
Kavach is indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System for enhancing safety of running trains developed by Indian Railways
Both the BJP and Congress must be held accountable for their failure to ensure the widespread utilization of Kavach Technology. The lack of coordination, political will, and adequate funding has resulted in a missed opportunity to enhance railway safety and prevent accidents like the one in Odisha.
It is imperative for all the political parties to set aside their political differences and prioritize the implementation of Kavach across the entire Indian rail network. The safety and lives of millions of passengers are at stake, and it is the responsibility of the government to take immediate action. By working together and allocating the necessary resources, both ruling and opposition parties can ensure that Kavach becomes an integral part of India’s railway infrastructure, safeguarding the lives of commuters and preventing future tragedies.