Railways Begin Installing 'Kavach' System To Ensure Fog-Proof, Collision-Free Train Operations

Loco pilots will soon no longer need to lean out of the cabin to spot signals in harsh weather conditions, as the Indian Railways has begun installing its indigenous train protection system, ‘Kavach’, across the North Eastern Railway (NER) zone. The system will display live signal information directly inside the engine cab and provide continuous audio-visual alerts, ensuring uninterrupted train operations even in dense fog.

The installation work follows directions from the Railway Board. While trains currently rely on Fog Safe Devices, which give only an audio alert 500 metres before a signal, the lack of real-time visual information forces trains to run at restricted speeds of up to 75 km/h. After the installation of Kavach, trains will be able to operate at their designated maximum speed of 110 km/h even during fog.

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According to railway experts, Kavach will function as a safety shield, preventing collisions on single lines. If two trains enter the same section, either approaching each other or one following the other, Kavach will automatically trigger emergency braking. The system also monitors loco pilot activity, issuing alerts in case of any lapse. If a red signal is passed or the pilot fails to respond, Kavach intervenes and applies the brakes. It will also prevent overspeeding and automatically blow the horn at level crossings.

A budget of Rs 492.21 crore has been sanctioned to install Kavach over 1,441 route kilometres in the NER. In the first phase, installation is underway on 558 route km, covering Sitapur City-Budhwal Junction, Budhwal-Gorakhpur Cantt, Manak Nagar-Lucknow Junction-Malhaur, Barabanki-Budhwal, and Gorakhpur Cantt-Goldinganj sections. Tower installation on the main Chhapra-Barabanki rail line and between Gorakhpur Cantt and Chhapra Gramin is already in progress.

Kavach is being implemented in parallel to the Automatic Block Signal System, which is also being deployed rapidly on the Barabanki-Chhapra route. The system will ensure that trains continue to run without interruptions, with loco pilots able to view live signals inside the cabin regardless of weather conditions.

Kavach components will be fitted:

-On Automatic Block signals are placed at every kilometre

-On the tracks

-Inside locomotive cabs

-Underneath engines

-On station master panels

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The system continuously monitors engine activity and signal status within each section. In cases of overspeeding, red signals, or another train entering the same section, it first alerts the loco pilot and station master and then activates emergency brakes if required.

Kavach is based on indigenous radio-frequency technology. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally tested the system on March 4, 2022, during a live trial. Following its successful performance, the Railway Ministry approved its deployment across Indian Railways, including the North Eastern Railway.