What challenges could arise in implementing Kavach 4.0 across 15,000 km of high-density rail routes?
The government plans to expand Kavach 4.0, a safety system, to a large portion of the railway network. What practical, technological, and administrative hurdles might be faced in such a large-scale rollout?
Kavach 4.0 is an advanced train collision avoidance system developed to enhance safety on Indian railways. The government’s plan to implement it across 15,000 km of high-density routes is ambitious, but several challenges may arise during this large-scale rollout.
- Technical Integration:
- Compatibility issues with existing signalling and telecommunication infrastructure.
- Need for retrofitting older locomotives and coaches with Kavach equipment.
- Ensuring seamless functioning across different zones with varying technical standards.
- Financial Constraints:
- High initial investment required for hardware, software, and installation.
- Ongoing costs for maintenance, upgradation, and training.
- Human Resource and Training:
- Large-scale training of loco pilots, station staff, and maintenance teams.
- Resistance to change and adaptation among existing workforce.
- Logistical and Operational Issues:
- Coordinating installation without disrupting regular train operations.
- Managing supply chains for timely delivery of Kavach components across a vast network.
- Administrative and Policy Hurdles:
- Inter-departmental coordination between various railway divisions and zones.
- Delays in tendering, procurement, and approval processes.
- Technological Upgradation:
- Continuous upgradation required to keep pace with emerging cyber threats and new technologies.
- Ensuring data security and system resilience against hacking or malfunction.
- Geographical Challenges:
- Difficult terrain in certain regions making installation and maintenance harder.
- Varying climatic conditions affecting the reliability of electronic components.
Answered
a week ago