KAVACH 4.0 has been commissioned for the first time on the South Central Railway, marking a new step in the expansion of Indian Railways’ indigenous Automatic Train Protection system.
The latest version is currently operational on 108 route kilometres in the Malkajgiri-Kamareddy section of the Hyderabad Division.
Kavach 3.2 was already being used on the South Central Railway. Based on operational experience across around 1,465 route kilometres, the latest version includes several technical improvements for railway operations.
KAVACH 4.0 Improves Train Location Accuracy
KAVACH 4.0 provides more accurate train location information compared with earlier versions. It also offers improved signal status information in large railway yards, helping loco pilots get a clearer understanding of the operating conditions around them.
The system connects stations through optical fibre cable and can directly interface with existing electronic interlocking systems. These improvements are designed to support safer and more efficient train operations.
KAVACH 4.0 Can Apply Brakes Automatically
KAVACH is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection system designed to assist loco pilots in keeping trains within prescribed speed limits. If a loco pilot does not take the required action during a critical situation, the system can automatically apply the brakes when necessary.
The technology is designed to help prevent red signal violations, control train speed and reduce the risk of train collisions. It can also support safer train operations during challenging weather conditions.
The KAVACH 4.0 rollout is planned to expand across the wider Indian Railways network in a phased manner. The latest version has been developed to address operational and technical requirements across different regions.
KAVACH Installation Needs Major Railway Infrastructure
The deployment of KAVACH requires several components across railway stations, tracks and locomotives. These include Station KAVACH at stations and block sections, RFID tags along railway tracks, telecommunication towers and optical fibre cable infrastructure.
Loco KAVACH equipment is also installed on train engines so that the system can communicate with the railway infrastructure and support train protection functions.
As a safety-critical railway technology, KAVACH must meet stringent certification requirements, including Safety Integrity Level-4 standards.
The commissioning of KAVACH 4.0 on the South Central Railway represents another stage in the planned expansion of India’s indigenous train protection system.
