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Kavach Stops Train at 160 kmph Before Danger
27 Sep
Summary
- Kavach system automatically halted a train at 160 kmph.
- The train stopped 30 meters before a red signal without driver input.
- The successful trial paves the way for Vande Bharat trains.
On January 19, an anti-train collision system known as Kavach proved its effectiveness by automatically halting a WAP-5 locomotive. The train was traveling at 160 kmph on the Palwal-Mathura section when Kavach intervened, stopping the train just 30 meters before a red signal. The driver had been instructed not to apply the brakes, highlighting the system's autonomous operation.
This crucial trial took place on the 125-km Delhi-Agra corridor, India's only section permitting speeds of 160 kmph. Conducted by North Central Railway officials, the tests were repeated in both directions. The WAP-5 locomotive, capable of pulling passenger coaches at high speeds, was chosen to ensure the Kavach system's performance at the required velocity.
Kavach, developed by RDSO, automatically applies brakes when a driver fails to respond. The 80-km Mathura-Palwal stretch is equipped with a full Kavach network. Currently, Kavach is operational on 1,465 km across three sections of South Central Railway, but this route has speed restrictions. The successful high-speed test is vital for Vande Bharat trains, which operate at 160 kmph, ensuring their safety.
The successful trial confirms that Kavach can effectively manage semi-high speed operations, making it ready for deployment on India's rapidly expanding Vande Bharat train services. This advancement is a significant step towards modernizing railway safety protocols for faster trains.
