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’ 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?

1. A. I and II only
2. B. II and III only
3. C. I and III only
4. D. I, II and III

Answer: A

Explanation

Statement I is incorrect. The National Rail Plan (NRP) prepared by Indian Railways aims to create a ‘future-ready’ railway system by 2030, not 2028. Its objective is to increase the modal share of railways in freight to 45%. Statement II is incorrect. ‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system that has been indigenously developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with Indian industry, not with Germany. It is a cost-effective Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL-4) certified technology. Statement III is correct. The Kavach system does utilize Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags fitted along the tracks, including in station sections, to track train positions and ensure safe operations. Since the question asks for statements that are *not* correct, I and II are the answers. Railway safety and technological advancements are important for UPSC, especially in the context of infrastructure development and public safety.