According to the Ministry of Railways, Kavach is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system that has been developed indigenously. The ATP system is a highly technological system that requires security certification of the highest order.
Role of ‘coach’ in trains
“The coach helps the loco pilot to run the train within a specified speed limit, automatically braking the train if the loco pilot fails to do so, and safely maneuvers the train during bad weather. helps run from,” said a release issued by the Ministry of Railways.
The first field trial on passenger trains began in February 2016, the release added, adding that three firms were approved to deliver COACH version 3.2 in 2018-19, based on experience gained and an independent safety assessment of the system by Azad. Based on Safety Assessor (ISA).
The next phase of Kavach implementation is being planned as plans to equip 10,000 locomotives have been finalised. 69 loco sheds have been prepared to be equipped with the Couch, the release said, adding that currently 3 OEMs have been approved to supply the Couch system.
To increase capacity and scale of implementation, trials and approvals by more OEMs are in various stages, the release said. So far more than 9000 technicians, operators and engineers have been trained on Couch technology.
“The cost of provision of trackside including station equipment of cavitch is around Rs 50 lakh/km and the cost of provision of cavitch equipment on locomotives is around Rs 80 lakh/loco,” the railway ministry said. .
Funds utilized so far on Kavch works are Rs. 1547 crores during the year 2024-25 the allocation of funds is Rs. 1112.57 crore as per the progress of works required funds have been made available.