In response to a plea filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari, the Supreme Court has directed the Central government to submit a detailed status report regarding the future implementation of the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System, specifically the KAVACH Protection System. This directive comes in the aftermath of the tragic derailment of the Coromandel Express in June last year, which resulted in the loss of 288 lives and left over 900 individuals injured.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and KV Vishwanathan was informed by the Union's counsel about the challenges hindering the implementation of the KAVACH Protection System. Earlier, the Court had sought the Central government's response on the matter, directing Attorney General R Venkatramani to provide insights into the issue.

The PIL, filed before the Supreme Court, seeks the establishment of an Enquiry Commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate the Odisha Train Accident that occurred on June 2nd, 2023, with a mandate to identify its root causes. The petitioner highlights the delay in implementing safety mechanisms such as the KAVACH ATP System, despite the Ministry of Railways announcing its development in March 2022.

The KAVACH system boasts several key features aimed at enhancing train safety, including automatic brake application in case of pilot error, line-side signal display for improved visibility during adverse weather conditions, continuous updating of movement authority, automatic whistling at level crossings, collision avoidance through loco-to-loco communication, and an SOS feature for emergencies.

The plea underscores the urgency of implementing such safety measures, arguing that timely adoption of the KAVACH system could have averted tragic accidents like the Coromandel Express derailment. Despite its announcement, the practical implementation of KAVACH across the railway network is still underway.

Case: Vishal Tiwari vs. Union of India and Anr.