Kavach (train protection system)

Kavach (lit. 'Armour') is an automatic train protection (ATP) system indigenously developed by Indian Railways through Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO).[1] Initial development of Kavach started in 2012 under the name Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).

Working

Kavach contains a set of electronic devices, RFID installed in locomotive, signalling system and in tracks. The communication between the components happens via ultra high radio frequencies. Kavach alerts when a loco pilot jumps signal (Signal Passed at Danger -SPAD), which is the main cause for train collisions. It also helps loco pilots while they drive during dense fog by relying train's position. It also whistles automatically when train approaches a level crossing.

Kavach will automatically stop the train, in case, the loco pilot jumps a red signal or it detects another train on the same track[2]

Demonstration

A live demonstration of working of Kavach happened on March 4, 2022 between Gullaguda and Chitgidda railway stations in Secunderabad Division. Indian Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was travelling in a locomotive in one direction, while Vinay Kumar Tripathi, Chairman and CEO, Railway Board was travelling in another locomotive on the opposite direction on the same track. Kavach system on detecting the locos on same track, applied brakes automatically, thus avoided collision[3]

References
  1. "Handbook on Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)" (PDF).
  2. "Explained: Kavach, the Indian technology that can prevent two trains from colliding".
  3. "Indian Railways: Watch video of how'Kavach' averts collision of two speeding trains".
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