India’s indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, Kavach, has achieved a significant milestone with the deployment of its advanced Version 4.0. This cutting-edge system enhances train safety through automatic brake applications, ensuring adherence to speed limits and offering secure operations during adverse weather conditions.
Kavach was first field-tested on passenger trains in February 2016, and by 2020, it had been adopted as the National ATP system. With improvements from earlier versions, Kavach 4.0 boasts features such as increased location accuracy, enhanced signal aspect clarity in larger railway yards, and seamless station-to-station interface via Optical Fiber Cable (OFC). These upgrades address the complexities of India’s diverse railway network, paving the way for large-scale implementation.
Indian Railways has achieved significant progress in laying 3,727 kilometers of trackside equipment, installing 540 telecom towers, and equipping 795 locomotives and 664 stations with Kavach technology. Optical fiber cable has been installed over 5,743 kilometers to support the system. In its next phase, plans include equipping 10,000 locomotives, with 69 loco sheds already prepared. Additionally, bids have been invited for trackside works covering approximately 15,000 kilometers, of which contracts for 1,865 kilometers have been awarded.
To increase production capacity, trials and approvals for more Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are underway, complementing the existing three approved suppliers. Specialized training programs have been established, training over 20,000 technicians, operators, and engineers at Indian Railways’ centralized institutes.
The development of Kavach 4.0 required investments of $23.6 million (INR 1,950 crore) so far, with an allocation of $13.4 million (INR 1,112.57 crore) for the fiscal year 2024-25. The installation cost is approximately $60,000 (INR 50 lakh) per kilometer of trackside equipment and $96,000 (INR 80 lakh) per locomotive. Kavach represents India’s commitment to technological advancements and safety in its railway network, setting new global benchmarks in automatic train protection systems.
