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Can India’s Indigenous ‘Kavach’ Rail Safety System Prevent Accidents Like Recent Collisions and Save Lives?
Why Kavach is in News Now
- Recent train accident in Andhra Pradesh highlights need for improved safety mechanisms like Kavach
Kavach has been in focus recently after a tragic train accident occurred in Andhra Pradesh on 29th Oct 2023. A passenger train rammed into another train from behind at Kantakapalli station near Visakhapatnam, resulting in at least 8 deaths and over 30 injuries. The incident highlighted the need for advanced safety mechanisms like Kavach to prevent such accidents caused due to human errors.
Kavach is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system developed by Indian Railways that can automatically activate brakes to avoid collisions. If Kavach was implemented on the section where the accident occurred, it could have potentially detected the stationary train on the track and automatically stopped the moving train, averting loss of lives.
This terrible accident has sharpened focus on the urgency of installing safety systems like Kavach across the railway network, especially on congested routes. The incident has also renewed debates on expediting Kavach’s deployment which is currently happening in phases, prioritizing high-density networks first.
Kavach Overview
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Overview |
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Key Features |
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How it Works |
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Implementation Status |
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Strategic Significance |
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Way Forward |
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What is Kavach?
- Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system developed indigenously by RDSO with Indian industry
- Helps achieve zero accidents by activating brakes automatically if driver fails to control train
Kavach is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with Indian industry. It is a state-of-the-art electronic safety system designed to help Indian Railways achieve its goal of zero accidents. Kavach works by automatically activating the train braking system if the driver fails to control the train as per permitted speeds.
For example, if the driver fails to apply brakes on approaching a red signal, Kavach will detect it and initiate automatic braking to stop the train and prevent an accident. Similarly, it prevents collision between two trains by automatically slowing them down and maintaining a safe distance if they are approaching each other on the same track. Overall, by taking control of the train when drivers make errors, Kavach aims to provide an additional layer of safety and prevent major accidents caused by human errors.
Key Features of Kavach
Some of the key features of the Kavach system are:
- Preventing Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD): Kavach stops trains automatically if drivers miss or ignore signals. This prevents dangerous SPAD incidents.
- Avoiding overspeeding: The system continuously monitors train speed and applies brakes if speed limit is exceeded. This prevents accidents caused due to overspeeding.
- Collision avoidance: Direct loco-to-loco communication enables Kavach to detect collisions and automatically stop trains approaching each other on the same track. This prevents deadly head-on collisions.
- Driver interface display: Kavach displays signal aspects, movement authority limits, etc on driver interface to alert them. This improves visibility in foggy weather or at high speeds.
- Auto whistling: Kavach automatically whistles when approaching level crossings to warn trespassers and road users. This enhances safety.
- SOS messaging: It enables transmission of emergency SOS messages during crises to stop nearby trains and alert control centers. This helps faster response.
How Does Kavach Work?
- RFID tags on track provide info to onboard & wayside units
- Continuous communication between train, trackside elements and control center
- Applies brakes automatically in case of signal violation or collision risk
Kavach utilizes a combination of onboard systems on trains and trackside infrastructure to enable continuous communication and monitoring of trains. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are installed along the tracks and relay unique identification codes about the specific track segment. This information is passed on to the Kavach control units installed in the locomotives and also at stations.
The onboard Kavach unit communicates with the station Kavach units to receive regular updates about signals, track status, movement authority limits, etc. This real-time data helps the system apply automatic brakes when required to avoid collisions, SPAD violations, overspeeding, etc. If a train approaches a red signal, the wayside Kavach unit transmits the restriction and the onboard system automatically stops the train if the driver fails to heed the alert.
Similarly, the collision avoidance feature gets activated when two trains are detected to be approaching each other on the same track. Hence, continuous exchange of data between train, trackside and control center enables Kavach to improve safety.
Benefits of Implementing Kavach
Implementing Kavach confers multiple benefits:
- Improved safety: By automating emergency braking, it prevents accidents caused due to driver errors like missing signals, overspeeding, etc. This enhances safety.
- Cost-effectiveness: Indigenous Kavach costs just Rs 50 lakh per km compared to Rs 2 crore per km for foreign ATP systems. This makes it an affordable technology.
- Self-reliance: An indigenous system developed through local collaboration boosts India’s self-reliance in railway infrastructure technology.
- Modernization: Kavach accelerates the modernization of train control and protection mechanisms to match global standards.
- Exports: Indigenous technology also opens doors for exporting Kavach to other countries and generating revenue.
Therefore, Kavach not only improves train safety but also provides strategic benefits in terms of cost, localization and modernization.
Status of Kavach Implementation
- Work in progress on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes
- Preparing detailed plans for 6000 more km
- Already installed in some states – 1465 km track and 121 trains
- New tenders given in many states – around 3000 km
- 3 Indian companies approved to provide Kavach
The Indian Railways is putting Kavach on two very busy routes first – between Delhi and Mumbai as well as Delhi and Howrah. The anti-collision device is being set up on these tracks now. Detailed plans are being made to cover 6000 more kilometers after this.
So far Kavach has been set up in some states, on 1465 km of track and 121 trains. Recently, tenders have been given to companies to put Kavach on about 3000 more kilometers in various states. Currently 3 Indian companies have been approved to provide the Kavach system and equipment. The Railways is trying to get more companies for Kavach so it can be installed faster across the country.
Significance of Kavach for India
- Improves safety and modernizes train operations
- Helps achieve zero accident aim of Indian Railways
- Indigenous system – boosts Make in India and tech capacity
The indigenous Kavach system has immense significance for Indian Railways and the country as a whole. Kavach modernizes and transforms train operations in India by enhancing safety and preventing collisions and accidents.
By automating emergency braking and other features, Kavach helps Indian Railways work towards its goal of zero accidents. Indigenously developing such an advanced system also provides a major boost to the Make in India initiative and India’s technical capabilities. The locally designed Kavach aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in technology.
Once fully implemented across India’s vast railway network, Kavach can be exported to other countries as well. Indigenous technology that meets global safety standards opens up new export opportunities that can generate revenue.
Final Thoughts
- Kavach is a landmark indigenous safety system with huge benefits
- Systematic implementation will enable Indian Railways to leverage its full potential
No doubt, Kavach is a landmark indigenous safety system that can provide huge safety, economic and strategic benefits. Systematic pan-India implementation of this technology will enable Indian Railways to leverage its full potential. Kavach modernizes operations, prevents accidents, boosts self-reliance and offers avenues for exports. With robust safety systems like Kavach, Indian Railways can become an even more safe, efficient and world-class transport network.