Hyderabad: Indian Railways has commissioned Kavach Version 4.0 for the first time on South Central Railway (SCR), upgrading the indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system from Version 3.2 to 4.0 across 108 route kilometres of the Malkajgiri-Kamareddi section in Hyderabad Division.
The upgrade marks a significant step in the planned expansion of Kavach, with the latest version incorporating technological improvements based on operational experience with Version 3.2 across 1,465 route kilometres on SCR.
Kavach 4.0 has been developed to meet the diverse operational and technological requirements of the Indian Railways network. The upgraded system offers more precise train positioning and improved safety features for train operations.
One of the key enhancements in Kavach 4.0 is increased location accuracy, allowing more precise tracking of trains.
The system also provides improved information on signal aspects in larger railway yards, helping loco pilots maintain better situational awareness.
Kavach 4.0 additionally supports a station-to-station interface through Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), strengthening communication and system integration.
Another major feature is its direct interface with existing Electronic Interlocking Systems, allowing better integration with railway signalling infrastructure.
Kavach is an indigenously developed ATP system designed to assist loco pilots in maintaining prescribed speed limits. It can automatically apply brakes when necessary if the loco pilot fails to respond to critical situations.
The system is designed to help prevent Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD), control train speeds in critical situations and reduce the risk of collisions. It is also intended to support safer train operations during adverse weather conditions.
As a safety-critical technology, Kavach requires certification at Safety Integrity Level-4 (SIL-4).
Deployment of Kavach requires multiple components across railway sections, including Station Kavach at stations and block sections, RFID tags along tracks, telecommunication towers, optical fibre cables and Loco Kavach equipment on locomotives.
The commissioning of Version 4.0 on SCR is expected to provide a technological base for its wider deployment across the Indian Railways network.
The railway authorities said the upgrade represents another step towards strengthening indigenous train-protection technology and improving operational safety across the country’s rail network.
