Western Railway (WR) is gearing up to enhance safety on its busy Mumbai local trains by introducing an advanced anti-collision system named Kavach by the end of next year. This move is part of India’s commitment to improving safety in one of the world’s largest suburban rail networks.
Kavach, which means “shield” in Hindi, is a sophisticated system designed to prevent train collisions and accidents. It was developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative and is already being implemented on major routes like the Delhi-Mumbai corridor.
Currently, WR relies on the Auxiliary Warning System (AWS), which gives audible alerts and speed oversight to train drivers. However, this system has its flaws. For example, it often cannot prevent serious incidents like Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) due to its reliance on human action. When the AWS alarm goes off, drivers must respond within four seconds, or the brakes engage automatically. In a rush, this can lead to oversights.
Kavach aims to fill this gap. It features automatic controls to manage train speed and movement, improving safety significantly. With real-time communication between trains and signaling stations, Kavach minimizes human error and enhances operational efficiency.
Key benefits of Kavach include:
- Automatic braking if a train passes a red signal.
- Compatibility with current signaling systems.
- In-cab signaling for safer operation in low visibility.
This move is not just about technology; it’s about the safety of 30 lakh passengers who use WR’s services daily. With over 1,400 suburban services and a fleet of 110 electric multiple units (EMUs), the need for modern solutions is clear.
Plans are underway to implement Kavach on over 2,358 kilometers of routes by 2025. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad line is expected to see Kavach fully operational by the end of this fiscal year.
Experts in transport safety commend this shift. According to railway safety consultant Ramesh Verma, enhancing technology like Kavach is crucial in minimizing risks associated with human error in railway operations.
Overall, Kavach is a critical step forward in railway safety. Its introduction marks a notable change for WR and is expected to pave the way for improved safety measures across Indian railways.
For more information, you can read about the Kavach system from the Indian Railways.
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