Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday welcomed the approval for the deployment of Kavach technology across 631 route kilometres of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) network, calling it a major step forward in strengthening the state’s rail infrastructure and safety systems. The project, sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹270 crore, is part of Indian Railways’ broader initiative to modernise train operations using indigenous technology.

In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister described the development as a milestone for Odisha’s connectivity and transport safety. He said the installation of Kavach would significantly enhance passenger safety, reduce the risk of accidents, and improve the overall reliability and efficiency of train services across the region. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their role in advancing railway modernisation and safety initiatives.

According to an official statement, the Kavach system will be implemented across six key railway sections under East Coast Railway, including Baghuapal–Budhapank, Haridaspur–Paradeep, Khurda Road–Balangir, Naupada–Gunupur, Lanjigarh Road–Junagarh, and Bobbili–Salur. These routes are considered important for both passenger and freight movement, making the upgrade a significant operational improvement for the network.

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Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to prevent train collisions, signal passing at danger (SPAD), and over-speeding. Officials stated that the system continuously monitors train movements and can automatically apply brakes when necessary, thereby reducing the possibility of human error and improving operational safety across varying conditions.

The deployment is also expected to enhance train performance during adverse weather conditions such as dense fog, where visibility-related risks often impact rail operations. By enabling automated safety controls, Kavach is expected to improve punctuality and ensure smoother train movement across high-density corridors in the region.

Officials further noted that the project forms part of Indian Railways’ long-term strategy to expand Kavach coverage across critical routes nationwide. The initiative is expected to benefit both passenger and freight operations, while strengthening Odisha’s rail infrastructure and contributing to improved regional connectivity and economic growth.

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