The Indian Railways has rolled out tenders for 10,000 kilometers of Kavach, an automatic train protection system that aims to prevent accidents caused by human error. The system has already been installed on 1465 kilometers of railway lines, with contracts for 3000 additional kilometers awarded for the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors. With plans to deploy Kavach on the entire 70,000 kilometer railway network, the Railways Minister has announced the addition of new OEMs to expedite the implementation process. The advanced system not only automatically applies brakes in case of emergencies, but also aids in controlling speed during inclement weather and signals the loco pilot in case of approaching turnouts or level crossings. Watch the video to understand more about this innovative safety measure.
Kavach: Enhancing Railway Safety in India
Background
Kavach, derived from the Sanskrit word for "armor," is an indigenously developed automatic train protection system by the Indian Railways. Recognizing the high incidence of accidents attributed to human error, the Railways initiated the development of Kavach in 2012.
Functionalities
Kavach is designed to prevent accidents by:
Deployment
The Indian Railways has been progressively deploying Kavach on its network. As of 2023, the system has been installed on 1465 kilometers of railway lines, with contracts awarded for an additional 3000 kilometers on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors. The Railways aims to eventually deploy Kavach on the entire 70,000 kilometer railway network.
Benefits
Kavach has the potential to significantly enhance railway safety by:
Top 5 FAQs
What is the cost of implementing Kavach?
The cost of implementing Kavach is estimated to be around INR 1 lakh per kilometer of track.
How many accidents have been prevented due to Kavach?
Since its implementation, Kavach has prevented several accidents and near-miss situations. However, the exact number of accidents prevented is not publicly available.
Is Kavach compatible with all types of trains?
Kavach is designed to be compatible with all types of trains operated by the Indian Railways, including passenger and freight trains.
What are the challenges faced in implementing Kavach?
One of the challenges faced in implementing Kavach is the need to upgrade signaling systems and train equipment. Additionally, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the system requires ongoing maintenance and monitoring.
When will Kavach be fully deployed on the Indian railway network?
The Railways aims to complete the deployment of Kavach on the entire 70,000 kilometer railway network by 2025.
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