Kavach 4.0 System

Source: DD News

Subject: Science and Technology

Context: Union Railway Minister informed the Lok Sabha that Kavach 4.0 has been successfully commissioned across 1,452 route kilometers on the high-density Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors.

About Kavach 4.0 System:

What it is?

• Kavach is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) It is a state-of-the-art electronic safety system that prevents train collisions by automatically managing speed and braking if the loco pilot fails to do so.

Developed by: It was developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with the Indian industry.

Aim: The primary goal is to achieve Zero Accidents by preventing Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD), controlling overspeeding, and ensuring safe train operations during adverse weather conditions like dense fog.

How it Works?

• The system operates through a network of RFID tags on tracks, on-board equipment in locomotives, and radio towers at stations.

• These components communicate in real-time to monitor the train’s location and speed. If the system detects a potential collision or a violation of speed limits, it automatically triggers the brakes without manual intervention.

Key Features of Kavach 4.0:

• Enhanced Precision: Improved location accuracy and better signal information handling, especially in complex and crowded railway yards.

• Direct Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Electronic Interlocking systems to receive real-time updates on track occupancy and signal status.

• Advanced Communication: Utilizes station-to-station communication via Optical Fibre Networks and UHF radio for uninterrupted connectivity.

• Automatic Braking: Automatically applies brakes if the loco pilot fails to respond to a red signal or exceeds the permitted speed limit.

• SOSR (Save Our Souls) Feature: Allows for the broadcast of emergency messages to all trains within a specific radius to prevent large-scale accidents during a crisis.

Significance:

• Contributes to the sharp decline in consequential train accidents (down nearly 90% since 2014) by eliminating human error.

• Enables trains to maintain higher speeds safely during low-visibility conditions (fog), reducing delays during winters.