What is the ‘Kavach’ System?

About ‘Kavach’ System:

• It is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.
• It was developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) under the Indian Railway (IR) in collaboration with the Indian industry.
• It is a set of electronic devices and Radio Frequency Identification devices installed in locomotives, in the signalling system, as well the tracks, that talk to each other using ultra-high radio frequencies to control the brakes of trains and also alert drivers, all based on the logic programmed into them.
• Since 2016, the railways have been carrying out field tests for Kavach on passenger trains.
• Applications:
  • It is meant to provide protection by preventing trains from passing the signal at Red (which marks danger) and avoiding collisions.
  • The system can alert the loco pilot, take control of the brakes, and bring the train to a halt automatically when it notices another train on the same line within a prescribed distance.
  • The device also continuously relays the signals ahead to the locomotive, making it useful for loco pilots in low visibility.
  • It also controls the speed of the train through an automatic application of brakes in case the loco pilot fails to do so.
  • It helps the loco pilot in run the train during inclement weather conditions, such as dense fog.
  • An added feature is the centralised live monitoring of train movements through the Network Monitor System.