HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, April 16: In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has lauded the efforts of Indian Railways in implementing ‘Kavach,’ an indigenous Automatic Train Protection System, aimed at bolstering safety measures for train operations. The commendation came on April 15, 2024, highlighting the pivotal role of ‘Kavach’ in preventing collisions and ensuring the safety of passengers and personnel.
Recognizing the multifaceted approach taken by the Union of India and Indian Railways, the Supreme Court acknowledged several initiatives geared towards enhancing the anti-collision system. These measures include the installation of safety systems, track quality improvements, staff training and sensitization, reforms in maintenance practices, and the implementation of the cutting-edge ‘Kavach’ System.
Developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with the Indian Industry, ‘Kavach’ represents a breakthrough in train safety technology. Operating at Safety Integrity Level – 4 standards, this indigenous system serves as a state-of-the-art electronic safeguard, designed to prevent trains from passing signals at Danger (Red) and thereby averting potential collisions.
Moreover, ‘Kavach’ automatically activates the train braking system if the driver fails to adhere to speed restrictions, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. It also addresses the possibility of collision between locomotives equipped with the system. Remarkably, ‘Kavach’ stands out as one of the most cost-effective Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL-4) certified technologies, boasting an exceptionally low probability of error – 1 in 10,000 years.
With its impeccable safety credentials, ‘Kavach’ not only ensures the security of railway operations but also paves the way for potential exports of this indigenous technology, presenting a lucrative opportunity for the Indian Railways.
The implementation of ‘Kavach’ is particularly prioritized on the High Density Network (HDN) and Highly Used Network (HUN) routes, which form the backbone of railway traffic in India. Notably, the North Frontier Railway has identified HDN and HUN routes for the deployment of ‘Kavach,’ covering approximately 1966 Route Kilometers from Malda Town to Dibrugarh.
As Indian Railways continues its commitment to enhancing safety standards, the introduction of ‘Kavach’ underscores a significant stride towards ensuring the security and reliability of train travel across the nation.
