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{{Short description|Indian railway safety technology}}
'''Kavach''' ({{lit|Armour}}) is an [[automatic train protection]] (ATP) system indigenously developed by [[Indian Railways]] through [[Research Design and Standards Organisation|Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO)]].<ref name = "2022test onair">{{Cite web |date = 5 March 2022 |title = Indian Railways tested ‘Kavach’- an indigenous Automatic Train Protection System |url = https://newsonair.com/2022/03/05/indian-railways-tested-kavach-an-indigenous-automatic-train-protection-system/ |access-date = 21 May 2022 |website = NewsOnAIR |language = en-US}}</ref> Initial development of Kavach started in 2012 under the name Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and completed development in 2022.

Kavach has been certified for compliance with [[safety integrity level]] 4 (SIL-4) operations.<ref name = "2022test onair" /><ref name = "indianexpress explained2022" /><ref name = "deccan test2022" /> Kavach has been promoted as being the cheapest ATP system available in the world, costing roughly 50 [[lakh]] (five million) rupees per kilometre to operate compared to about two [[crore]] (20 million) rupees worldwide.<ref name = "indianexpress explained2022" /> The [[Union budget of India]] for the FY 2022-23 allocated funds for the rapid implementation of Kavach across 2,000 km of track, as well as sanctioning its implementation along 34,000 km track of the Golden Quadrilateral rail route, which is to be implemented by 2027-2028.<ref name = "financialexpress safety2022" />

== Development ==
=== Origins ===
During the early twenty-first century, [[Indian Railways]] became increasing interested at deploying [[automatic train protection]] (ATP) upon its existing mixed-traffic routes.<ref name = "railing 2023"/> An extensive evaluation of internationally available systems, such as the [[European Train Control System]] (ETCS), was conducted; it was ultimately concluded that there was no existing off the shelf ATP system that fulfilled its requirements. These requirements included the prevention of instances of [[signal passed at danger]] (SPAD), collision prevention, in-cab signalling, automatic whistling at level crossings, intelligent real-time health monitoring, and to facilitate substantial speed and capacity increases for both freight and passenger operations.<ref name = "railing 2023"/> A further key target to be pursued in part via the addition of ATP is the Indian Railways’ ambition to achieve a zero accident rate.<ref name = "hindu 2022" />

Instead of procuring and installing an existing system, a project to domestically develop a suitable ATP system was pursued by Indian Railways instead.<ref name = "railing 2023"/> During 2011, work on what would become Kavach commenced; this project was originally titled as the ''Train Collision Avoidance System'' (TCAS).<ref name = "railing 2023"/><ref name = "indianexpress explained2022">{{Cite web |last = Dastidar |first = Avishek G |date = 5 March 2022 |title = Explained: Kavach, the Indian technology that can prevent two trains from colliding |url = https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-kavach-the-indian-technology-that-can-prevent-two-trains-from-colliding-7801295/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220324074349/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-kavach-the-indian-technology-that-can-prevent-two-trains-from-colliding-7801295/ |archive-date = 24 March 2022 |access-date = 21 May 2022 |website = The Indian Express |language = en-IN}}</ref> An early proof of concept was produced in 2012 while a development order for the design and manufacture of the system was issued during the following year. An explicit requirement was for it to be interoperable between multiple vendors.<ref name = "railing 2023"/>

During 2014, the deployment of an initial trial system along a 265 km section of line commenced, upon with the first real world evaluations of Kavach were performed.<ref name = "railing 2023"/>

===Testing===
Between 2015 and 2017, field trials of the system were carried out.<ref name = "railing 2023"/> Data and experiences gathered from these trials were used to refine the specification, which was formalised in March 2017.<ref name = "deccan test2022" /> Final approval of the system was issued in 2019, permitting the training of railway employees on Kavach ahead of the formal rollout and commencement of operations.<ref name = "railing 2023"/> Kavach has been subjected to tests performed by an independent external assessor to validate its performance.<ref name = "deccan test2022" /> The onboard equipment component has demonstrated a mean time between failures of 40,000 hours, and reportedly achieved an overall availability of 99.9 percent during testing.<ref name = "railing 2023"/> Accordingly, it has been certified for compliance with [[safety integrity level]] 4 (SIL-4) operations.<ref name = "2022test onair" /><ref name = "indianexpress explained2022" /><ref name = "deccan test2022" />

On 4 March 2022, a high profile live demonstration of Kavach was conducted between Gullaguda and Chitgidda railway stations in [[Secunderabad railway division|Secunderabad Division]]. Indian Railway minister [[Ashwini Vaishnaw]] was travelling in one locomotive travelling in one direction, while Vinay Kumar Tripathi, chairman and CEO of Indian Railway was travelling in another locomotive on the opposite direction on the same track while Kavach was operational. It successfully detected that both locomotives were on the same track and responded by automatically applying the brakes on both trains, thus averting an impending collision.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.livemint.com/news/indian-railways-watch-video-of-how-kavach-system-averts-collision-of-two-trains-11646463822831.html|title = Indian Railways: Watch video of how 'Kavach' averts collision of two speeding trains}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last = Ani {{!}} |title = Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviews manufacturing of Vande Bharat train coaches in Chennai |url = https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/railway-minister-ashwini-vaishnaw-reviews-manufacturing-of-vande-bharat-train-coaches-in-chennai/videoshow/91694505.cms |access-date = 21 May 2022 |website = The Economic Times |language = en-IN }}</ref>

==Description==
The system consists of a three core elements, these being trackside ([[radio-frequency identification]] (RFID) tags between the running rails), onboard locomotives (RFID readers, computer, brake interface equipment, and [[UHF]] and [[GSM]] radio links), and radio infrastructure (towers and [[modem]]s).<ref name = "railing 2023"/> Multiple forms of data input are used to determine criteria such as location and direction; an [[odometer]] onboard each train measures these data points, being periodically reset when passing over an RFID tag, while time data is verified via a [[GPS]] satellite link. Drivers are presented with information primarily via a screen interface; an event recorder is present to retain a record of all interactions.<ref name = "railing 2023"/> Specific data exchanged includes speed, direction, location, and identifiers (individual to train and tracks). Some of the track-fitted RFID tags are used for additional purposes, such as to communicate an upcoming signal, [[level crossing]] , and that the train is leaving an area covered by Kavach.<ref name = "railing 2023"/>

All messaging between trains and the trackside infrastructure is handled via radio communications.<ref name = "railing 2023"/> The radio infrastructure used by Kavach is installed alongside the tracks, often being aligned with lineside signalling equipment and railway stations, being deployed at a regular interval of 1 km.<ref name = "indianexpress explained2022" /><ref name = "hindu 2022" /><ref name = "railing 2023"/> Kavach communicated with relevant signalling control stations, being interfaced with the interlocking to retrieve information on signal aspects, permitted speeds, movement authority, and any restrictions; these criteria are continuously and automatically checked against each train’s reported criteria and presented to the driver. The GSM radio link is also used to send data to a network management system to log all train movements, inputs, and fault messages; where appropriate, fault teams are automatically contacted to address issues that arise in real time.<ref name = "railing 2023"/> The initial implementation of the system harnesses UHF radio frequencies while the development of [[4G LTE]] based version of Kavach is reportedly underway as of 2022.<ref name = "indianexpress explained2022" />

Kavach incorporates several key characteristics of the [[European Train Control System]] (ETCS) as well as the Indian [[Anti-collision device]];<ref name = "indianexpress explained2022" /> however, it is a considerably cheaper system in comparison to ETCS. Furthermore, unlike ETCS, Kavach is not intended to function as a replacement to traditional lineside signalling.<ref name = "railing 2023"/> While ETCS requires a centralised trackside infrastructure, Kavach is distributed, permitting piece-meal deployments. Kavach is also not intended for have interoperability with other country’s systems, unlike ETCS’s rigorous cross-border interoperability requirements.<ref name = "railing 2023">{{cite web |url = https://www.railengineer.co.uk/enhancing-safety-an-indian-atp-alternative/ |title = Enhancing Safety An Indian ATP alternative |publisher = railengineer.co.uk |first = Clive |last = Kessell |date = 2 May 2023}}</ref>

To use Kavach, each train must be either built with compatible apparatus or to undergo a retrofit of such apparatus.<ref name = "railing 2023"/> Various operating and engineering departments across India Railways are expected to facilitate such retrofits on a mass scale throughout the 2020s. While not presently intended, it is believe that modifications could be made to Kavach to support [[automatic train operation]] (ATO) as well as its intended ATP function. As of 2023, work is underway to integrate Kavach with traffic management systems, electronic interlockings, and new radio communication technologies.<ref name = "railing 2023"/>

Operationally, in a circumstance where a locomotive has gone through a stop signal (known as a [[signal passed at danger]] or SPAD), which is the leading cause of train collisions, Kavach automatically alerts its driver to the dangerous situation. Furthermore, the system is able to apply the locomotive’s brakes and automatically bring such a train to a halt when it is aware that another train is on the same line within a prescribed distance.<ref name = "hindu 2022">{{Cite news |last = Geetanath |first = V. |date = 12 November 2021 |title = SCR to cover 630 km of network with ‘Kavach’ by March-end |language = en-IN |work = The Hindu |url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/scr-to-cover-630-km-of-network-with-kavach-by-march-end/article37481170.ece |access-date = 21 May 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220429181730/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/scr-to-cover-630-km-of-network-with-kavach-by-march-end/article37481170.ece |archive-date = 29 January 2022 |issn = 0971-751X}}</ref><ref name = "indianexpress explained2022" /> Kavach continuously monitors train movement and transmits signals ahead to the locomotives; unlike traditional observation, this functionality is not impacted by visual obstructions, such as terrain, or adverse weather conditions like [[fog]].<ref name = "indianexpress explained2022" /> Drivers are still expected to obey all trackside signals as if Kavach is not present.<ref name = "railing 2023"/>

== Deployment ==
Kavach to be implemented on 65 locomotives,<ref name = "indianexpress explained2022" /> 1,445  km route and 134 stations<ref>{{Cite web |date = 8 April 2022 |title = SCR deploys KAVACH for 1,445 Km, record 859 km covered in FY2021-22 |url = https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2022/apr/08/scr-deploys-kavach-for-1445-km-record-859-km-covered-in-fy2021-22-2439413.html |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220417110743/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2022/apr/08/scr-deploys-kavach-for-1445-km-record-859-km-covered-in-fy2021-22-2439413.html |archive-date = 17 April 2022 |access-date = 21 May 2022 |website = The New Indian Express}}</ref> in [[South Central Railway zone]], while implementation on 1200 km is underway as of April 2022. Upgrades to Kavach will be made so that it can handle trains at speeds of up to 160 kmph prior to it being implemented across 3000 km of track, including the majority of the [[New Delhi–Mumbai main line]] and [[Howrah–Delhi main line]].<ref name = "indianexpress explained2022" /> as part of the ‘’Mission Raftar’’ project being undertaken by Indian Railways.<ref name = "deccan test2022">{{Cite web |date = 3 March 2022 |title = Indigenous train collision protection system 'Kavach' to be tested with railway minister on board |url = https://www.deccanherald.com/national/indigenous-train-collision-protection-system-kavach-to-be-tested-with-railway-minister-on-board-1087679.html |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220323211011/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/indigenous-train-collision-protection-system-kavach-to-be-tested-with-railway-minister-on-board-1087679.html |archive-date = 23 March 2022 |access-date = 21 May 2022 |website = Deccan Herald |language = en-IN }}</ref>

The [[Union budget of India]] for the FY 2022-23 allocated fund for the rapidly implementation of Kavach along 2000 km of track, while also sanctioning its later implementation across 34,000 km track of Golden Quadrilateral rail route.<ref name = "financialexpress safety2022">{{Cite web |date = 7 March 2022 |title = Indian Railways Kavach to boost safety! How this indigenous technology can prevent two trains from colliding |url = https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/indian-railways-kavach-to-boost-safety-how-this-indigenous-technology-can-prevent-two-trains-from-colliding/2452777/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220308092549/https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/indian-railways-kavach-to-boost-safety-how-this-indigenous-technology-can-prevent-two-trains-from-colliding/2452777/ |archive-date = 8 March 2022 |access-date = 21 May 2022 |website = Financialexpress |language = en-IN }}</ref> Indian commentators have claimed that had Kavach been deployed at the site of the [[2023 Odisha train collision]] that the system would have prevented the accident from occurring.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/how-to/whats-railways-kavach-the-rail-protection-system-that-could-have-prevented-odisha-train-accident/articleshow/100726361.cms?from=mdr |title = What's Railways Kavach, the rail protection system that could have prevented Odisha train accident |publisher = The Economic Times |date = 5 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/odisha-train-accident-coromandel-express-derailment-collision-what-is-kavach-system-2388423-2023-06-03 |title = What is the Kavach system and could it have helped avert the Odisha train accident? |publisher = India Today |first = Sreya |last = Chatterjee |date = 3 June 2023}}</ref>

Newly built [[Indian locomotive class WAG-9|WAG-9HH]] locomotives will be equipped with Kavach apparatus; the system will be useable even at these locomotives’ maximum design speed of 120 kmph.<ref>{{Cite web |date = 22 April 2022 |title = Make in India boost: PM lays foundation stone for upgradation of Indian Railways Dahod workshop to loco manufacturing unit |url = https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/make-in-india-boost-pm-lays-foundation-stone-for-upgradation-of-indian-railways-dahod-workshop-to-loco-manufacturing-unit/2500235/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220430170945/https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/make-in-india-boost-pm-lays-foundation-stone-for-upgradation-of-indian-railways-dahod-workshop-to-loco-manufacturing-unit/2500235/ |archive-date = 30 April 2022 |access-date = 21 May 2022 |website = Financialexpress |language = en-IN }}</ref> By June 2023, two percent of all Indian trains had been outfitted with Kavach apparatus.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.inventiva.co.in/trends/kavach-train-protection-system-does-it-genuinely-act-as-a-kavach-for-indian-railways/ |title = Kavach- Train Protection System: Does It Genuinely Act As A “Kavach” For Indian Railways? |publisher = inventiva.co.in |date = 15 June 2023}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://rdso.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/Handbook%20on%20Train%20Collision%20Avoidance%20System_April%202021(2).pdf Handbook on Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) - An Indigenous ATP System]
* [https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2022/mar/doc202231424701.pdf Kavach - Ministry of Railways]

[[Category:Train protection systems]]
[[Category:Indian Railways]]

Kavach (train protection system) - Revision history

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