The Indian Railways recently carried out a test of the Kavach-Automatic Train Protection System. As part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, it was announced in the 2022 Union Budget. The plan involves integrating approximately 2,000 km of rail network under this indigenous system by 2022-23. The intent is to enhance safety and augment capacity.
Understanding Kavach
Kavach, previously known as the Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), has been under development since 2012. This automatic protection system is fitted with electronic and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices in locomotives, signalling systems, and tracks. These elements connect via ultra-high radio frequencies, controlling train brakes and alerting drivers based on pre-programmed logic.
The design of TCAS or Kavach embraces key components from existing reliable systems like the European Train Protection and Warning System, along with the indigenous Anti-Collision Device. It aims to incorporate features of future-oriented systems such as the European Train Control System Level-2.
Kavach currently complies with a top-tier safety and reliability standard called Safety Integrity Level (SIL)4. SIL is a classification derived from voluntary standards used by plant owners/operators that specifies safety performance requirements for hazardous operations. A higher SIL Level signifies a more serious process hazard and thus requires a heightened level of protection.
Kavach Going Global
India has plans to promote Kavach as an internationally exportable system, presenting it as a cost-effective alternative to the European systems prevalent worldwide. Currently using Ultra High Frequency, efforts are in progress to make Kavach compatible with 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, thereby positioning it for global markets. Ensuring compatibility with other globally installed systems is also a focus of ongoing work on the system.
The Significance of Kavach
The Kavach system plays a crucial role in railway safety, preventing accidents such as train collisions. When activated, it halts all trains within a 5-km radius, safeguarding trains on adjacent tracks. At present, loco-pilots or assistant loco-pilots depend on caution signs and signals.
Besides enhancing safety, Kavach is also economical, costing only Rs 50 lakh per kilometre to operate, compared to about Rs 2 crore worldwide. Furthermore, it incorporates stationary equipment for gathering signalling inputs and relaying them to a central system, ensuring smooth communication with the train crew and stations.
Other Related Railway Initiatives
Apart from Kavach, other initiatives in the field of railways include the Overhead Traction System, the Railway Energy Management Company Limited, Transit Oriented Development, and the National Rail Transportation Institute.