Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-a-game-changer-for-rail-safety-ministry-of-railways-highlights-progress-of-kavach-automatic-train-protection-system-3681662/?ref=hometop_hp
Publisher: The Financial Express
The Ministry of Railways last week provided an important update on the development and implementation of Kavach, an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system aimed at enhancing safety across the Indian Railways network. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, shared progress details on this groundbreaking safety technology, which promises to revolutionise train operations in the country.
The Kavach system represents one of the most ambitious and technologically advanced railway safety initiatives in the world. With its potential to drastically reduce the number of accidents and enhance operational efficiency, Kavach is set to redefine safety standards for Indian Railways.
What is Kavach?
Kavach is a state-of-the-art safety system designed to prevent train accidents and ensure safer train operations on Indian Railways. As an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, Kavach automatically monitors the train’s speed, and if a loco pilot (train driver) fails to respond in time, it applies the brakes autonomously, preventing collisions. The system also enhances safety during adverse weather conditions, such as fog and heavy rain, ensuring smooth and safe train operations even in challenging environments.
As of October 2024, the Kavach project has achieved notable progress in its rollout. Key developments include the installation of 4,960 kilometers of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), the setup of 378 telecom towers, and the equipping of 381 stations with the system. Additionally, 482 locomotives have been fitted with Kavach, and track-side equipment has been installed across 1,948 Route Kilometers (RKm) of railway tracks.
These upgrades have paved the way for larger-scale deployment. As of now, Kavach is installed on 1,548 RKm of tracks in the South Central and North Central Railway zones, and the system is also undergoing testing on major corridors like Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah, covering approximately 3,000 RKm.
Development and Implementation of Kavach
The journey of Kavach began in 2016 with field trials on passenger trains. After extensive testing and validation, the system was approved for use in 2018-19. Following this, three firms were authorised to supply the third version, Kavach 3.2. In July 2020, the system was officially adopted as the National ATP System for Indian Railways, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of rail safety protocols.
The implementation of Kavach involves several critical steps:
1.Installation of Station Kavach at every railway station and block section
2.Deployment of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags along tracks
3. Establishment of telecom towers across the network
4. Laying of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) along the tracks
5. Equipping locomotives with Kavach devices
Advancements in Kavach Version 4.0
In July 2024, based on the experience gained from deploying Kavach 3.2 on over 1,465 route kilometres (RKm) in South Central Railway, the next-generation Kavach Version 4.0 was introduced. Approved by the Railway Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO), this updated version incorporates several key advancements aimed at improving operational efficiency and safety.
Key features of Kavach Version 4.0 include enhanced location accuracy, which allows for better tracking of trains across the network. This upgrade also provides improved signal aspect information, particularly in large railway yards, ensuring smoother operations in complex environments. Additionally, the new version offers a Station-to-Station Kavach interface over Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), further improving communication between stations. Another significant improvement is the direct integration with the existing Electronic Interlocking System, streamlining operations and ensuring seamless coordination between the safety system and other railway technologies.
Future Plans for Kavach Deployment
Looking ahead, Indian Railways has ambitious plans to scale up the deployment of Kavach. The next phase will focus on equipping 10,000 locomotives with the system. Bids have already been invited for track-side works covering 15,000 RKm, with another 9,000 RKm currently under bidding. These installations will focus on high-density routes, such as the Golden Quadrilateral (GQ), Golden Diagonal (GD), and other key railway corridors.
To further accelerate the project, more Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are being approved to expand the capacity for producing and deploying Kavach systems. At present, three OEMs have been approved to supply the technology.
Cost and Funding of Kavach
The Kavach system’s implementation is a significant investment in railway safety. The cost of deploying the system is approximately Rs. 50 lakh per kilometre for track-side equipment and Rs. 80 lakh per locomotive for installation. So far, the government has allocated Rs. 1,547 crore for the project, with an additional Rs. 1,112.57 crore earmarked for the fiscal year 2024-25.
