Kavach
About:
- The Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) collaborated with three Indian vendors to develop the Kavach cab signaling train control system, which includes anti-collision features.
- Our National Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System has been implemented using it.
- It complies with Safety Integrity Level-4 (SIL-4) requirements and monitors the current signaling system, warning the loco pilot when a “red signal” is approaching and braking automatically to avoid overshooting the signal.
- In case of an emergency, the system additionally relays SoS messages.
- It uses the Network Monitor System to provide centralized, real-time train movement monitoring.
- The ‘Centre of Excellence’ for Kavach is located at the Indian Railways Institute of Signal Engineering & Telecommunications (IRISET) in Secunderabad, Telangana.
Parts of Kavach:
- Three key parts are included in the Kavach setup, which are specific train stations along the planned deployment route.
Initial Elements:
- The first part consists of the tracks’ integration of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
- RFID uses electromagnetic fields to automatically read wireless device information from a distance without physical contact or line of sight. It also uses radio waves to identify objects or individuals.
Second Component:
- The locomotive, which functions as the driver’s cabin, has brake interface equipment, a computer, and RFID readers installed.
Third Component:
- This refers to the radio infrastructure that is positioned at train stations in a deliberate manner to support the operation of the system, such as towers and modems.
Difficulties with Deployment:
- Due to its high deployment costs (₹50 lakh per kilometer) and its current restricted coverage of about 1,500 km, it is difficult to implement it completely throughout the 68,000 km rail network.