The Indian Railways Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications (IRISET) has embarked on an ambitious initiative to train all Signal and Telecom officers across the country by March 31, 2026. This program is aimed at facilitating the swift rollout of ‘Kavach,’ an indigenously developed automatic train protection system. Director General Sharad Kumar Srivastava highlighted that the current training strategy includes eight additional one-week crash courses this year and six specialized programs focused on the implementation of ‘Loco Kavach’ for officers and supervisors from electric loco-sheds.
Since July, senior officials from various railway zones have been participating in appreciation programs to deepen their understanding of Kavach. Concurrently, in-house training for faculty members is underway, designed to enhance internal capabilities and ensure future preparedness. “The training on Kavach has expanded its reach to cross-functional departments and industry stakeholders,” Srivastava noted, emphasizing the initiative’s broad scope.
The Centre of Excellence for ATP-Kavach at IRISET continues to innovate by developing new technologies. Recent advancements include the Kavach-Electronic Interlocking interface, improvements in radio communication, and the standardization of braking algorithms. Virtual reality-based simulations are also being incorporated into the training framework. This year, two new Electronic Interlocking labs were established, facilitating integrated block working with EI systems in collaboration with Kavach Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure system compatibility across the railway network.
Moreover, IRISET has upgraded its facilities, introducing a cutting-edge LTE lab equipped with advanced tools, deploying an Asterisk-based VOIP exchange using open-source technologies, and enhancing simulation capabilities. This focus on modernization reflects the institute’s commitment to advancing railway safety and operational efficiency.
In 2023, IRISET conducted 172 training programs, successfully educating 4,531 personnel. The initiative also saw 624 industry professionals trained in railway signaling, telecom, and Kavach technologies, underscoring the growing demand for expertise in these critical areas. To bolster educational efforts, IRISET has formalized partnerships with six engineering institutions, integrating railway signaling and Kavach modules into their B.Tech curricula, as noted in a recent press release.
This comprehensive training strategy is not only poised to fast-track the implementation of the Kavach system across all railway zones but also aims to build a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of modern rail transport. As India continues to invest in its railway infrastructure, initiatives like this will play a pivotal role in enhancing safety and efficiency for millions of passengers.
Published – August 18, 2025 02:03 am IST.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/march-2026-deadline-set-to-train-all-st-officers-on-kavach/article69943681.ece
Category : Telangana
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Publish Date: 2025-08-18 02:03:00
