Kavach (train protection system)

Not to be confused with Kavach (anti-missile system).

KAVACH (lit. 'Armour') is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system indigenously developed by Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with Medha Servo Drives, Kernex Microsystems and HBL Power Systems.[1][2] Initially it was known by the name Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).[3] Kavach was adopted by Ministry of Railways as the National ATP System in July 2020.[4]

Kavach functioning explained through schematic diagram

Development of Kavach began in the year 2011 as an Open architecture system. In 2014, field trials commenced. First field trial experiments on passenger trains was done in February 2016. Subsequently, Kavach received Safety Integrity Level (SIL-4) certification in the year 2019.[3] It is being promoted as one of the most cost effective ATP systems available worldwide.[5]

The Union budget of India for the FY 2022-23 allocated funds for the rapid implementation of Kavach across 2,000 km of track, as well as sanctioning its implementation along 34,000 km track of the Golden Quadrilateral rail route, which is to be implemented by 2027-2028.[6]

  1. ^ "Explained: How Railways' Indigenous Anti-Collision System Kavach Can Prevent Train Accidents". Indiatimes. 2022-04-03. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  2. ^ "Indian Railways tested 'Kavach'- an indigenous Automatic Train Protection System". NewsOnAIR. 5 March 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  3. ^ a b Kessell, Clive (2023-05-02). "Enhancing Safety An Indian ATP alternative". Rail Engineer. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  4. ^ "Kavach Deployed On 1465 Route Km & 139 Locomotives". Press Information Bureau. 8 December 2023.
  5. ^ "Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw inspects the trial of Kavach System". Press Information Bureau. 4 March 2022.
  6. ^ "Indian Railways Kavach to boost safety! How this indigenous technology can prevent two trains from colliding". Financialexpress. 2022-03-07. Retrieved 2024-08-09.