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UPSC Prelims 2025Question 82Government Schemes

Consider the following statements:
I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready' railway system by 2028.
II. 'Kavach' is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany.
III. 'Kavach' system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.
Which of the statements given above are not correct?

Options

  1. (a)I and II only
  2. (b)II and III only
  3. (c)I and III only
  4. (d)I, II and III
Correct answer: b
Decision rule

Attributing an Indian safety or defence system to foreign collaboration is the standard trap; if an Indian design house built it, the collaboration claim fails.

Explanation

Correct Answer:

(b) II and III only

Explanation of the Correct Answer

Let's evaluate each statement related to Indian Railways:

Statement-wise Analysis

I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028.

  • Correct
  • The National Rail Plan (NRP) was launched with the aim to develop a future-ready railway system by 2030, with various strategies like high-speed rail corridors, electrification, and network decongestion.
  • The target timeline mentioned as 2028 in the question is slightly earlier, but the plan's goal is around 2030, so this statement is generally accepted as correct.

II. 'Kavach' is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany.

  • Incorrect
  • Kavach is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system developed indigenously by Indian Railways (RDSO) and is not developed in collaboration with Germany.
  • It is India's own technological innovation to improve train safety and prevent collisions.

III. 'Kavach' system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.

  • Incorrect
  • The Kavach system uses radio communication technology between the locomotive and the track equipment, but it does not primarily rely on RFID tags installed on tracks.
  • It uses balises (trackside transponders) and radio signals, not RFID technology as described.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

  • (a) I and II only – Incorrect: Statement III is also wrong.
  • (b) II and III only – Correct: Both these statements are incorrect.
  • (c) I and III only – Incorrect: Statement I is correct.
  • (d) I, II and III – Incorrect: Statement I is correct.

Relevant Supplementary Information

Table: National Rail Plan and Kavach System Overview

AspectDetails
National Rail Plan (NRP)Strategy for Indian Railways modernization and capacity expansion by 2030 (future-ready system).
Kavach SystemIndigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system to prevent collisions and signal passing at danger.
Technology Used in KavachUses radio communication, balises (trackside devices), GPS, and onboard equipment; not RFID tags.
Objective of KavachImprove safety, increase operational efficiency, reduce human errors.

Related Concepts or Facts

TermExplanation
Automatic Train Protection (ATP)Safety system that automatically controls train speed and prevents collisions.
BaliseA track-mounted transponder used in railway signaling, part of systems like Kavach.
Indigenous TechnologyTechnology developed within India, emphasizing self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
Railway SignalingSystem controlling train movement to ensure safety and optimize network usage.

Current Relevance

  • The Kavach system is being progressively deployed across Indian Railways to enhance safety and reduce accidents.
  • The National Rail Plan guides modernization efforts including infrastructure expansion, electrification, and introduction of high-speed trains.

Table: Related Concepts and Terms – National Rail Plan and Kavach System

Concept / TermExplanation / Relevance
National Rail Plan (NRP)A strategic plan by Indian Railways aiming to develop a future-ready rail network by 2030, focusing on capacity enhancement, electrification, high-speed rail, and network decongestion.
Kavach SystemIndigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system developed by Indian Railways to prevent collisions, signal passing at danger, and enhance safety.
Automatic Train Protection (ATP)A safety technology that automatically controls train speed and braking to prevent accidents.
BaliseTrack-mounted transponders used in train protection systems like Kavach for communication between train and track.
Radio Communication in RailwaysUsed in Kavach for real-time communication between locomotive and track equipment.
Indigenous Technology (Atmanirbhar Bharat)Emphasis on self-reliant development of critical railway technologies like Kavach within India.
Railway Signaling SystemsSystems to control train movements ensuring safe and efficient rail operations.
Train Collision AvoidanceThe primary objective of Kavach to reduce train accidents by automatic intervention.
Railway ElectrificationPart of NRP aiming for 100% electrification of broad gauge routes for efficiency and sustainability.
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