Indian Railways has commissioned KAVACH Version 4.0 for the first time on South Central Railway (SCR), upgrading the Automatic Train Protection system on the Malkajgiri-Kamareddi section of Hyderabad Division.
The upgrade from KAVACH Version 3.2 to Version 4.0 has been completed over 108 route kilometres.
The latest version incorporates technological improvements based on experience from deploying KAVACH Version 3.2 over 1,465 route kilometres on SCR.
New version strengthens train safety
KAVACH 4.0 has been developed, tested and is being deployed by Indian Railways as an Automatic Train Protection system. The system incorporates improvements to address the diverse operational and technological requirements of the railway network.
The latest version offers enhanced safety, technology and reliability, and is planned for large-scale deployment across Indian Railways.
Improved location and signal information
KAVACH 4.0 includes increased location accuracy and improved information on signal aspects in larger yards. These features are intended to strengthen situational awareness during train operations.
The system also provides a station-to-station KAVACH interface through Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), enabling enhanced communication and system integration.
Integration with signalling systems
KAVACH 4.0 also provides a direct interface with existing Electronic Interlocking Systems. This is intended to improve integration with existing signalling infrastructure.
The improvements build on the operational experience gained from the deployment of earlier versions of KAVACH on South Central Railway.
System designed to prevent SPAD
KAVACH is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection system designed to enhance operational safety. It assists loco pilots in maintaining trains within prescribed speed limits and can automatically apply brakes when required if the loco pilot fails to do so.
The system is designed to help prevent Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD), control train speed in critical situations and reduce the risk of collisions. It also supports safer train operations during inclement weather conditions.
Highest level of safety certification
As a technology-intensive railway safety system, KAVACH requires Safety Integrity Level-4 (SIL-4) certification, representing the highest level of safety integrity specified for such systems.
Indian Railways plans to expand deployment of KAVACH 4.0 across its network as part of efforts to strengthen train protection and signalling systems.