Mail News Service
Jamshedpur: The installation of the Kavach automatic safety system has begun on the Howrah-Mumbai route via Tatanagar to enhance railway safety and prevent train accidents. As part of the groundwork, soil testing was conducted on Monday at locations extending up to Asanbani and Salgajudi cabin. Similar tests will be carried out between Sini and Mahalimurup station on Tuesday. Officials have started marking sites near signal posts on the main line where the safety shields will be installed. Once in place, Kavach will enable loco pilots to operate trains more safely and efficiently on the Howrah-Jharsuguda and Howrah-Bhadrak routes.
The installation is being carried out in phases, with an initial 515-km stretch in the South East Zone being prepared. By March 2028, the system will cover 1,556 km of railway lines. The implementation requires coordinated efforts between various railway departments, including operations and the rolling stock branch. Currently, key railway lines such as Howrah-Kharagpur-Bhadrak and Kharagpur-Tatanagar are undergoing installation, ensuring that train travel in the region becomes safer and more efficient.
The Kavach system is designed to intervene automatically in case of human error. If a loco pilot fails to reduce the train’s speed or apply brakes in time, the Brake Interface Unit of the Kavach will take control of the train, preventing potential accidents. Additionally, the system will send real-time danger signals to loco pilots, helping ensure safe train operations even in adverse weather conditions. One of its most crucial features is its ability to stop trains that inadvertently cross red signals. The system also gets activated if a train is moving at excessive speed or if two trains are detected on the same track, preventing collisions.
With the installation of Kavach, Indian Railways aims to significantly enhance safety and minimize accidents caused by human error. The technology-driven approach will ensure better control over train operations, reducing risks and making rail travel safer for passengers and railway personnel alike.
