What is Indian Railways’ Kavach System deployed to avert train collisions

Kavach, introduced as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the 2022 Union Budget, is India's very own automatic train protection system. Initially known as the Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), it was later rebranded as Kavach, which translates to ‘armour’ in English.

Kavach is a collection of electronic gadgets and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems set up in locomotives, signalling systems and tracks. These components communicate using ultra-high radio frequencies, enabling them to control train brakes and alert drivers based on pre-programmed logic. The system incorporates key features from other successful safety systems like the European Train Protection and Warning System, as well as the indigenous Anti-Collision Device. Notably, Kavach complies with the rigorous Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 4 standard, ensuring the highest level of safety and reliability.

When activated, Kavach stops all trains within a 5-kilometre radius, safeguarding trains on adjacent tracks. This feature eliminates the reliance on loco-pilots and assistant loco-pilots to identify caution signs and signals, significantly reducing the risk of human error. The technology also includes stationary equipment that collects signalling inputs and transmits them seamlessly to train crews and stations, enhancing communication across the network.

In the wake of Friday night's harrowing collision that sent shockwaves across the nation, Indian Railways has announced the acceleration of Kavach system installation along high-density routes.