Introduction

Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, a highly technology intensive system which requires safety certification of highest order (SIL-4). SIL 4 (Safety Integrity Level 4) is the highest international standard for functional safety in railway signalling systems. SIL 4 systems are vital for Automatic Train Protection (ATP), collision avoidance, and fail-safe train operations.

Kavach aids the Loco Pilot in running the train within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes, in case Loco Pilot fails to do so, and also helps the trains to run safely during inclement weather.

The first field trials of Kavach on the passenger trains were started in February 2016. Based on the experience gained and Independent Safety Assessment of the system by Independent Safety Assessor (ISA), 3 firms were approved in 2018-19 for supply of Kavach Version 3.2. Kavach was adopted as the National ATP system in July 2020.

Key Objectives of KAVACH include:

1. Prevent head-on, rear-end, and SPAD (Signal Passed at Danger) collisions;
2. Enforce permanent and temporary speed restrictions;
3. Automatically apply brakes in unsafe conditions;
4. Support loco-to-loco and loco-to-station communication;
5. Operate reliably in diverse Indian terrains and climates.

Key Activities involved in the implementation of the KAVACH System include:

1. Installation of Station Kavach at each and every station, block section;
2. Installation of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Tags throughout the track length;
3. Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section;
4. Laying of Optical Fibre Cable along the track;
5. Provision of Loco Kavach on each and every Locomotive running on Indian Railways.

Based on deployment of Kavach version 3.2 on 1465 RkMs (Route Kilometres) on South Central Railway, further improvements were made. Finally, Kavach specification version 4.0 was approved by RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation) on 16.07.2024.

Kavach version 4.0

Kavach version 4.0 covers all the major features required for the diverse railway network and is a significant milestone in safety for Indian Railways. Within a short period, IR has developed, tested, and started deploying the Automatic Train Protection System, with major improvement in Version 4.0 including:

1. Increased Location Accuracy;
2. Improved Information of Signal Aspects in bigger yard;
3. Station to Station Kavach interface on OFC (Optic Fibre Cable) and Direct Interface to existing Electronic Interlocking System.

With these improvements, Kavach Version 4.0. has been planned for large scale deployment over Indian Railways.

Progress of Key items comprising Kavach system up to February 2025

1. Laying of 5743 Km of Optical Fibre Cable;
2. Installation of 540 Telecom Towers;
3. Provision of Kavach at 664 Stations;
4. Provision of Kavach in 795 Locos;
5. Installation of Track side equipment over 3727 RkMs.

Next phase of Kavach implementation

1. Project for equipping 10,000 Locomotives has been finalised;
2. 69 loco sheds have been prepared for equipping with Kavach;
3. Bids for track side Works of Kavach for approximately 15,000 RkMs have been invited, covering all GQ (Golden Quadrilateral), GD (Golden Diagonal), HDN (High Density Network), and identified sections of Indian Railways. Out of these, works of 1865 RkMs have been awarded;
4. Currently, 3 OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) are approved for supply of Kavach System. To increase the Capacity and Scale of Implementation, trials and approval of more OEMs are at different stages;
5. Specialised training programmes on Kavach are being conducted at Centralised Training Institutes of Indian Railways to impart training to all concerned officials.

By now more than 20,000 technicians, operators and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology, Courses having been designed in collaboration with IRISET (Indian railways Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications).

Utilisation of funds on Kavach works so far

Cost and Funding for Kavach Implementation

The Kavach system involves substantial investment in the safety and future of Indian Railways. The costs involved are significant but the benefits of improved safety and reduced accidents far outweigh these expenses.

Cost Estimates:

Track-Side Equipment (including Station Equipment):

The estimated cost for providing track-side equipment, including station equipment, is approximately Rs. 50 Lakhs per kilometre.

Locomotive Equipment:

The cost of providing Kavach equipment on locomotives is approximately Rs. 80 Lakhs per locomotive.

Funds:

A total Rs.1,547 crore has been utilised for Kavach-related works so far with an allocation of Rs.1,112.57 Crore having been allocated for the fiscal year 2024-25. The funds required are being made available as per the progress of the work.

Epilogue

Implementing Kavach represents a transformative step forward in ensuring the safety of Indian Railways. With continuous improvements and a clear roadmap for nationwide deployment, the Kavach system is poised to enhance the safety of train operations across India significantly. From its initial trials in 2016 to the full-scale deployment underway in 2024, Kavach’s journey reflects the commitment of Indian Railways to provide a safer and more efficient transportation network. As the project progresses, integrating advanced technology and infrastructure will make Indian Railways one of the safest rail networks in the world.

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