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Kavach 4.0
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Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone with the introduction of Kavach Version 4.0, an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.
Kavach System Overview
- Kavach, an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, is a cutting-edge technological advancement that aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of train operations across India.
- This system has been designed with the highest safety standards, requiring certification of Safety Integrity Level (SIL-4), the highest order of safety certification.
Automatic Train Protection (ATP) ensures that the train’s speed is within the permissible limits by continuously monitoring and automatically applying the brakes if necessary. This safety feature is critical in preventing accidents.
Key Features
- The primary function of Kavach is to assist the Loco Pilot (train driver) by ensuring that trains operate within specified speed limits.
- In case the Loco Pilot fails to apply the brakes, the Kavach system automatically engages the brakes to prevent any potential accidents.
- Additionally, the system plays a critical role in ensuring safe operations during inclement weather, where visibility and environmental conditions may otherwise compromise safety.
Development and Evolution
- Field Trials (2016): Initial trials began in February 2016, leading to valuable insights and improvements.
- Kavach Version 3.2 (2018-2019): After field trials and independent safety assessments, three firms were approved for the supply of Version 3.2.
- National Adoption (2020): In July 2020, Kavach was officially adopted by Indian Railways as the national ATP system.
- Kavach Version 4.0 (2024): The latest iteration, Kavach Version 4.0, was approved by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) on 16th July 2024. This version includes significant upgrades, making it more adaptable to the diverse railway network.
- Notable improvements in Version 4.0 include:
- Increased location accuracy for safer train movements.
- Improved signal aspect information for larger yards.
- Station-to-Station Kavach Interface on Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) for seamless communication.
- Direct Interface with Electronic Interlocking Systems for more efficient control.
- Notable improvements in Version 4.0 include:
Progress of Kavach Implementation (As of February 2025)
- Optical Fiber Cable Laying: 5743 km of optical fiber cable has been laid, ensuring robust communication infrastructure.
- Telecom Towers Installation: 540 telecom towers have been set up to facilitate continuous communication across the network.
- Provision of Kavach at Stations: 664 stations have been equipped with the Kavach system.
- Loco Kavach Deployment: 795 locomotives have been fitted with Kavach technology.
- Track Side Equipment Installation: Kavach system has been installed across 3727 RKm of track.
Training and Capacity Building
- To ensure that all relevant stakeholders are equipped to handle the new technology, Indian Railways has initiated a specialised training program for Kavach.
- These training sessions are being conducted at centralised training institutes of Indian Railways.
- More than 20,000 technicians, operators, and engineers have already been trained on Kavach technology, with courses designed in collaboration with the Indian Railways Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications (IRISET).
Financial Overview
- The cost of implementing the Kavach system is significant but necessary for the safety of the railway network.
- The cost for provision of Track Side equipment (including Station equipment) is approximately Rs. 50 Lakhs per kilometer, while the cost for equipping each locomotive with Kavach is around Rs. 80 Lakhs per loco.
- So far, Rs. 1950 Crores has been utilised for the implementation of the Kavach system. For the year 2024-25, an allocation of Rs. 1112.57 Crores has been made to continue the works.
Future Plans and Expansion
- The next phase of Kavach implementation is focused on scaling up the system across Indian Railways. The plans include:
- Equipping 10,000 Locomotives: A major project to equip 10,000 locomotives with Kavach has been finalised.
- Loco Sheds Preparation: 69 loco sheds are being prepared for the installation of Kavach.
Track Side Works: Bids for track side works covering approximately 15,000 RKm have been invited. Out of these, works for 1865 RKm have already been awarded.
