Lok Sabha Approves Rs 7.89 Lakh Crore Railways Grant Amid Kavach Implementation Promises

The Lok Sabha has sanctioned Rs 7.89 lakh crore for railway grants, with Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasizing the government's commitment to implementing the Kavach automatic train-protection system. Vaishnaw criticized previous governments for not prioritizing railway safety and highlighted efforts to improve the network. Opposition members criticized the minister, leading to a walkout.

The Lok Sabha on Thursday approved the Demands for Grants of railways amounting to Rs 7.89 lakh crore, with Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pledging to prioritize the implementation of the automatic train-protection system, Kavach. Minister Vaishnaw criticized the UPA government for neglecting passenger safety, asserting that no progress was made until 2014.

Vaishnaw outlined the government's achievements, including the elimination of unmanned level crossings and the installation of electronic inter-locking systems at railway stations. He emphasized the current administration's focused approach under Prime Minister Modi, contrasting it with previous governments.

Although he did not specify a timeline for Kavach's full implementation, Vaishnaw assured that every effort would be made to install the system across the rail network. The opposition, led by the Congress, walked out in protest, accusing the government of spreading misinformation and focusing on optics.

(With inputs from agencies.)