KAVACH 4.0 has currently been implemented across 108 route kilometres on the Malkajgiri-Kamareddy section of the Hyderabad Division. South Central Railway was already using KAVACH 3.2, and based on experience gained from its deployment across around 1,465 route kilometres, several technical improvements have been incorporated into the new version.
According to the Railways, KAVACH 4.0 has been developed keeping in mind operational and technical requirements across different parts of the country. The new version is now planned to be implemented in phases across the wider Indian Railways network.
KAVACH 4.0 provides more accurate train location information than the earlier version. It also offers better information about signal status in large railway yards, helping loco pilots understand the surrounding operational conditions during train movement.
The system has also been connected through Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) between stations. It can directly interface with the existing electronic interlocking system, strengthening the integration of train protection and railway signalling infrastructure.
KAVACH is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection system designed to assist loco pilots in keeping trains within prescribed speed limits. In a critical situation, if the loco pilot does not take the required action, the system can apply brakes automatically when necessary.
The system is designed to prevent trains from passing red signals, control train speed and help reduce the risk of collisions. It can also support safe train operations during conditions such as adverse weather.
Implementing KAVACH requires extensive technical infrastructure on railway tracks and at stations. This includes installation of Station KAVACH at stations and block sections, RFID tags across the railway track, telecommunication towers and OFC along the track. Loco KAVACH also has to be installed in train engines.
KAVACH is a high-tech safety system and is required to meet high-level safety certification requirements such as Safety Integrity Level-4 (SIL-4). The launch of KAVACH 4.0 on South Central Railway represents another step in the expansion of Indian Railways’ indigenous train safety system, with the upgraded technology now set for phased deployment across the larger railway network.
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