Loco pilots will get relief from ‘Kavach’ technology of Indian Railways

Dense fog during winter in North India affects railway operations. Due to low visibility, loco pilots face difficulty in seeing the track and signals. But Indian Railways’ new technology ‘Kavach’ has solved this problem. This technology helps loco pilots to operate trains in a safe and convenient manner.

Railway Minister gave good news

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav recently shared the video of this technology on ‘X’ and said:

“There is dense fog outside. ‘Kavach’ shows the signal inside the train itself. The pilot does not have to look outside for signals.”

This technology ensures safe operation of trains despite dense fog and also provides pilots with information about other trains on the track.

What is armor technology?

‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, completely indigenously developed. Its objective is to prevent head-on collision of trains and to operate trains safely even during bad weather.

• Signal Information: It provides signal information to the loco pilot inside the train.
• Automatic Braking: If the loco pilot fails to apply brakes, this technology controls the train by applying brakes automatically.
• Adherence to speed limit: It helps in keeping the speed of the train within the prescribed limit.

Development and testing of armor technology

• First field trials: Its first trials took place on passenger trains in February 2016.
• Updated version: Version 3.2 of Kavach was prepared in 2018-19 and three companies were approved for it.
• Project scope: So far, plans to equip 10,000 engines with armor have been finalized.
• Loco Sheds: 69 loco sheds have been prepared to be equipped with armour.

Technical Training and Cost

According to Railway Ministry:

• Training: More than 9,000 technicians, operators, and engineers have been trained on this technology.
• Cost:
  • Cost of installing armor equipment on track and station: Rs 50 lakh/km.
  • Cost of armor equipment on locos: Rs 80 lakh/loco.
• Expenditure so far: Rs 1547 crore has been spent so far on this technology.
• Allocation: A budget of Rs 1112.57 crore has been allocated for the financial year 2024-25.

armor effect

‘Kavach’ has not only ensured safe operation of trains but has also made the work of loco pilots easier. The chances of accidents due to fog have now reduced considerably.