Dense Fog, No Problem: Kavach System Allows Smooth Train Movement at 130 km/h. Watch video
Dense Fog, No Problem: Kavach System Allows Smooth Train Movement at 130 km/h. Watch video
Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw released a video on Saturday showcasing a train at a speed of 130 km/h in thick fog, utilizing the Automatic Train Protection System known as ‘Kavach.’
Dense fog outside. Kavach shows the signal right inside the cab. Pilot doesn’t have to look outside for signal. pic.twitter.com/cdQJDYNGrk
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) December 21, 2024
The Kavach system, recognized as an Automatic Train Protection System, has been created by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). This system is designed to automatically engage the brakes during emergencies if the train driver does not respond promptly. The Railway Ministry has dedicated the past eight years to advancing this project.
Kavach is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system developed to tackle the difficulties presented by erratic weather conditions, including thick fog, heavy rainfall, and extreme temperatures. It continuously tracks the train’s speed, ensuring it remains within safe parameters, and can automatically intervene if the operator does not respond promptly.
This automatic mechanism greatly minimizes the risk of accidents, particularly in situations where visibility is drastically reduced. Additionally, the system features a real-time signal display within the cab, allowing drivers to operate safely even when external visibility is compromised.
Earlier this year, Vaishnaw highlighted the government’s dedication to deploying Kavach nationwide, aiming for a “mission mode” rollout. This initiative comes in response to several significant train accidents, notably a tragic collision in Darjeeling, West Bengal, in June 2024, which happened because Kavach was not in place on the tracks.
Over the last five years, the railways experienced an average of 43 significant accidents annually, which led to either passenger injuries or property loss.
Between 2015 and 2022, an average of 56 passengers lost their lives each year in these incidents.
A video posted on X shows a train traveling at 130 km/h through dense fog. To the left, a monitor indicates a green signal, allowing the train to proceed without interruption. The footage demonstrates how the Kavach system supports the loco pilot in managing the train efficiently, even in challenging weather scenarios.
The video was captioned, “Dense fog outside. Kavach shows the signal right inside the cab. Pilot doesn’t have to look outside for signal.”
Kavach is designed to oversee and regulate train speeds, intervening when the locomotive driver does not react. If the train surpasses the speed limit or the operator overlooks an important signal, the system automatically engages the brakes to avert possible collisions.
As of November 2024, Kavach has been implemented over 1,548 route kilometres (RKm) within the South Central Railway and North Central Railway areas. Significant progress is being made on essential corridors like Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah, which span approximately 3,000 RKm combined
