Indigenous Kavach 4.0 System Launched on Mathura-Kota Section of Delhi-Mumbai Route
Indian Railways has taken a significant leap in enhancing railway safety by launching the indigenous Kavach 4.0 system on the Mathura-Kota section of the high-density Delhi-Mumbai route. This advanced Automatic Train Protection System, developed in line with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, aims to modernize safety protocols across the country’s rail network. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted the rapid development and deployment of this technology, which has been approved for use and is expected to be operational on various routes nationwide within six years.
Overview of Kavach 4.0
Kavach 4.0 is an indigenously developed safety system designed to prevent train accidents by monitoring and controlling train speeds. It operates at Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL 4), the highest safety design standard. The development of Kavach began in 2015, and after extensive testing over three years, it received its first operational certificate in 2018. The system has undergone significant improvements, leading to the creation of the advanced version, Kavach 4.0, which was approved for speeds up to 160 km/h in May 2025. The components of Kavach are manufactured domestically, aligning with the government’s push for self-reliance in technology.
The system’s complexity is comparable to establishing a telecommunications network. It includes various subsystems such as RFID tags, telecom towers, and integrated braking systems, all working together to ensure the safety of train operations. The RFID tags, installed every kilometer along the tracks, provide precise train location data, while telecom towers facilitate constant communication between the train and control stations.
Training and Implementation
To ensure effective implementation, over 30,000 personnel have already been trained on the Kavach system. The Indian Railway Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications (IRISET) has partnered with 17 AICTE-approved engineering colleges to incorporate Kavach into their BTech curriculum. This initiative aims to equip future engineers with the necessary skills to manage and operate the Kavach system effectively.
The Indian Railways plans to deploy Kavach 4.0 across various routes in the coming years, reflecting its commitment to enhancing passenger safety. The system is designed to assist loco pilots in maintaining appropriate train speeds, even in low visibility conditions, by providing critical information directly on the dashboard inside the cab. This innovation is expected to significantly reduce the reliance on external signals, thereby improving operational efficiency and safety.
Progress and Future Plans
Indian Railways has invested over INR 1 lakh crore annually in safety-related initiatives, with Kavach being a cornerstone of these efforts. The progress made in deploying the Kavach system is indicative of the organization’s dedication to ensuring railway safety. As of now, significant milestones have been achieved, including the installation of 5,856 kilometers of optical fiber, 619 telecom towers, and 708 Kavach systems at stations. Additionally, 1,107 Kavach systems have been installed on locomotives, and 4,001 kilometers of trackside equipment has been set up.
The deployment of Kavach is not just about technology; it represents a broader commitment to modernizing the Indian Railways and enhancing the safety of millions of passengers who rely on the network daily. The rapid pace of implementation underscores the urgency and importance of improving safety measures in the railway sector.
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