Indian Railways is actively enhancing its signaling system to ensure secure train operations. Alongside existing upgrades, such as color light signals, electronic interlocking, panel interlocking, and automatic block signaling, an advanced indigenous technology-based “Kavach” system is being introduced.
**Origins and Development of the Kavach System**
In February 2012, the Kakodkar Committee recommended establishing a digital radio-based signaling system, which Indian Railways began implementing. This was further developed into the Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), now known as “Kavach.” In 2014-15, a pilot project implemented Kavach across a 250-kilometer rail section in South Central Railway, followed by a successful field test on passenger trains in 2015-16. Following several technical enhancements, the Kavach version 3.2 was finalized in 2017-18, and after its certification, three vendors were approved by RDSO in 2018-19.
**Kavach’s Designation as the National ATP System**
In July 2020, Kavach was declared the national ATP (Automatic Train Protection) system. By March 2022, it was installed across 1,200 kilometers, prompting further steps toward the development of Kavach version 4.0. RDSO approved the specifications for Kavach 4.0 on July 16, 2024, marking a new stage of development for this system. Built with indigenous technology, the Kavach system has been developed in just ten years. In September 2024, Kavach 4.0 was installed and launched over a 108-kilometer stretch between Kota and Sawai Madhopur, with testing also underway across an 84-kilometer section of the Ahmedabad-Vadodara line.
**Future Steps for the Kavach System**
Currently, work on “Loco Kavach” and “Track Side” operations is progressing rapidly. Tenders have been invited for the automated block systems across 9,090 kilometers of the Delhi-Chennai and Mumbai-Chennai lines, along with 5,645 kilometers of additional trackside work. These tenders are expected to be finalized in November. A comprehensive work plan for implementing the Kavach system has been outlined through 2030.
**Future Works and Widespread Expansion of Kavach**
– **Motive Power Units**: All units to be equipped with Kavach.
– **Trackside Work**:
– **Total Approved Work**: 36,000 kilometers
– **Approved for 2024-25**: 30,000 kilometers
– **Completed Work**: 1,548 kilometers
– **Work in Progress**: 3,000 kilometers
– **Tenders Invited**: 14,735 route kilometers
– **Proposed Tenders for 2025-26**: 17,000 kilometers
– **Proposed Tenders for 2026-27 and 2027-28**: 30,000 kilometers
The Kavach system represents a significant step forward in Indian Railways’ commitment to enhanced safety, ensuring high standards for secure travel. Through this new technology, Indian Railways is moving closer to establishing a world-class signaling and safety infrastructure, setting new benchmarks in passenger security.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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